SBI to offer banking services on Facebook, Twitter

Leveraging on the popularity of Facebook and Twitter, State Bank of India (SBI) today launched 'SBI Mingle', allowing its customers access various banking services via these social platforms.

"Using SBI Mingle, the bank's customers can do a host of banking services on their Facebook or Twitter accounts at their own convenience," the bank said in a press release.

The new initiative was launched today by SBI Chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya on the occasion of 61st State Bank Day.

"The bank has witnessed tremendous engagement from its customers on each of its social platforms for queries, information, advice and complaint resolution. Staying attuned to the needs of the Gen Y customer and collaborating it with innovative technology, SBI is in the process of offering a gamut of new digital services to the customers on the go," Bhattacharya said.

SBI, she added, is planning to introduce more services like request for chequebook, stop cheque, register for mobile banking, internet banking, SMS alerts and block ATM/debit cards on these platforms soon.

Simultaneously, SBI has also tied-up with e-commerce firm Flipkart for pre-approved EMI facility on purchases and launched 'SBI Digital Villages' to make a select rural segment part of the cashless ecosystem.

The SBI-Flipkart partnership will provide an overdraft facility to pre-qualified set of customers for transacting on the e-commerce platform involving a minimum purchase of Rs 5,000.

The EMI (equated monthly installment) will be available in three tenures of six, nine and 12 months. The bank will not charge any fee to process the facility.

SBI Digital Villages will transform the selected villages into safe, healthy and vibrant digital centres, SBI said. Beginning today, a total of 21 villages, which have moved on to the digital platform, will be covered under the initiative.

"SBI plans to bring 100 villages under this initiative across the country by the end of 2016-17", it added.

"Several activities are undertaken for ensuring 100 per cent financial inclusion with focus on migration to AnyTime Channels through State Bank Buddy, PoS, ATMs, Micro ATMs, Mobile Banking, Internet Banking. Credit needs are also addressed", it added.