Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Citizens Bank International Limited has achieved another milestone in the direction of strengthening digital banking and payment system in Nepal. The bank has partnered with Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) to become the first bank to issue ‘Nepal Pay Card’, taking a lead in the expansion of the domestic card system.

The ‘Nepal Pay Card’ launched with the objective of developing its own national card system is expected to make card transactions within the country easier, safer and more effective. According to the bank, this step will not only provide modern banking experience to the customers but also strengthen the domestic digital infrastructure.

The agreement was signed by Ganesh Raj Pokharel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Citizens Bank and Mr. Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer of NCHL.

As per the agreement, Citizens Bank has become the first bank to issue Nepal Pay Card through the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) system being operated under the NCHL National Card Switch. With this achievement, the bank has further established itself as a pioneer in the development of digital payment systems in Nepal.

Along with Nepal Pay Card, international cards such as Discover and Diners Plus will also be able to be accepted at the bank’s ATMs and POS terminals. It is believed that this will provide more convenient service to both domestic and international card users.

According to the bank, customers will soon get the Nepal Pay Card which can be used for daily shopping, service payment and other financial transactions. This is expected to further strengthen the domestic digital payment system by reducing dependence on foreign card networks.

Citizens Bank has been continuously investing in technology-friendly banking as it is focused on expanding digital banking in a timely manner and customer-friendly services. From mobile banking, QR payments, internet banking to state-of-the-art card services, the bank said in a statement aimed to provide safe, convenient and reliable banking experience to its customers.