YEREVAN, September 19. /ARKA/. HSBC Bank Armenia has resumed acquiring of international VISA and MasterCards and started servicing ArCa cards through its ATM network, as a result of $1million worth software upgrade project, press-service of the Bank informed “ARKA” on Monday.

The bank stopped accepting international cards in November 2009 due to technical and security issues.

The whole network of more than 50 ATMs of HSBC Bank Armenia is ready to accept and serve cards issued by both local as well as international banks, operating under ArCa, VISA or MasterCard systems.

The software upgrade has allowed the bank to reduce the tariff for encashment - another step towards improved service at better pricing. The press-release states that all cardholders of the ArCa as well as travelers/tourists and other local bank cardholders can easily access their funds via more than 50 ATMs of HSBC Armenia.

The bank has also started to issue chip and pin cards, which provide customers with higher security than cards with magnetic stripe.

The volume of investments with this purpose was $150 thousand.

In addition to 53 standard ATMs the bank has also launched its first Drive Through ATM on 20A Myasnikyan Street, Arax petrol station. This ATM provides new banking solution on self-service which offers available banking functions in 24/7 regime similar to standards ATMs. The new device will provide maximum convenience, saving both time and effort, as customers will be able to obtain cash without leaving their cars and without having to think about finding a parking space. It will increase convenience for customers who are travelling out of Yerevan on one of the main roads leading out of the city, and they will be able to withdraw funds without getting out of their cars.

HSBC has been the first bank to bring in ATMs to Armenia in 1996.

“I am pleased to be the first with drive through ATMs. We are committed to our promise to continually invest in new technologies to improve customer experience.”, - Astrid Clifford, HSBC Bank Armenia Chief Executive Officer Astrid Clifford said.

HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc was the first international bank to open in Armenia in 1996. The bank is a joint venture between the HSBC Group, which has 70 percent ownership, and members of overseas Armenian businesses. The bank offers a wide range of products and services to individual as well as corporate customers, including personal financial services, commercial banking and treasury and capital markets services. Thanks to the HSBC network in 87 countries and territories, the bank is uniquely positioned to provide truly international services to its customers. -0-