BOV temporarily limits branch services as of today

Following the introduction of additional measures by the Government in light of developments related to COVID-19, particularly the increase in positive cases and the closure of schools and child care centres, Bank of Valletta announced the introduction of additional measures to safeguard its customers and employees and to ensure the continuity of providing essential banking services. 

The measures will come into effect as from Tuesday 16th March 2021 and will remain in force until further notice. These measures relate to:

• Revised branch service offering
• Changes in cashier service hours – 9.00 am to 11.00 am
• BOV Branches will continue offering essential services
• Other Units operating behind closed doors but still offering services to customers
• ATMs will continue to be serviced and replenished.
• Customers are once again being encouraged to make use of the Bank’s extensive range of digital channels for their banking needs.

Branches

The Bank said it understands the crucial role it plays within the local economy in these delicate circumstances and is conscious of its responsibility towards the community. For this reason, Bank of Valletta will continue to offer its services from 38 branches and agencies across Malta and Gozo. 

However, the Bank is limiting the range of services provided from certain branches after having considered the increase in the number of quarantined staff; its working parents who require to stay at home to take care of their young children and also the strong need to reduce non-essential contact to limit as much as possible the further spread of the contagion.

The Bank will continue to provide cash teller services through 32 of its branches between 9 am to 11 am.  Cash teller services will not be available at  Luqa, Marsaxlokk, Msida, Mqabba, Santa Venera and Sliema Branches. The Bank’s branches at St Julians and Mellieħa and its Xewkija Agency in Gozo will be temporarily closed until further notice. 

The withdrawal of cash from branch cash tellers is being discouraged and will only be allowed for amounts from €700 upwards.

Customers are requested to use the Bank’s extensive network of ATMs to withdraw cash. Customers who do not have a bank card and have less than €700 in their account will still be able to withdraw funds from branch tellers. Customers who do not have a bank card are being urged once again to apply for their free BOV Cashlink Card.

Non-cash services will be offered solely by appointment. Customers requiring such services including investments, homeloans, personal loans, rescheduling of loan repayments and application for new services are kindly being asked to request an appointment through https://www.bov.com/Assistants/set-an-appointment or by sending an email to [email protected] or calling on 2131 2020. Customers are kindly asked to keep strictly to their appointment times.

The number of customers inside branches will be restricted. Customers not being attended to will need to wait outside the Branch. Staff from other branches or units will not be allowed to serve in other branches and units so as to retain the same bubble. Regretfully this may result in a slower service in certain branches.

The Bank will continue to service and replenish its ATMs across Malta and Gozo in the normal manner.

Other Customer Outlets

Until further notice, the Bank’s Business Centres, Corporate Centre, Investment Centres, Wealth Management and International Corporate Centre will provide customers with services through telephone, email and video-conferencing. Customers requiring services from these Centres are kindly asked to contact their Relationship Managers and Financial Advisors via email or telephone. Details can be found on https://www.bov.com/content/assist.

The number of parties physically present during a contract at the Bank’s Legal Office, inclusive of the publishing notary, will be limited to four. Customers whose physical presence is required for deed publication, and within the above mentioned number limit, will be allowed entry to Legal Office when their contract is up for publication.

Stay Safe

Customers are once again being encouraged to refrain from visiting branches unnecessarily and instead use the Bank’s extensive network of ATMs across Malta and Gozo for cash withdrawals and deposits and to use their BOV Debit and Credit Cards, BOV Pay or BOV Mobile to Mobile to pay for goods and services. In addition, the BOV Internet and Mobile Banking may be used for payments and other general banking requirements.  

The Bank said it will continue to take all the necessary measures in the best interest and safety of its customers and staff and reminds customers visiting Bank’s premises to follow the necessary precautions such as safe social distancing, proper wearing of masks and sanitising.

Bank of Valletta remarked that it understands these measures may cause a degree of inconvenience to some of its customers and apologised for any delays in service delivery. However, in view of the seriousness of the current situation, the Bank “strongly believes that these measures are necessary for the well-being of the whole community”.

Further BOV information and updates on COVID-19 can be found on https://bov.com/content/covid-19-bov-updates