Last Updated on Tuesday, 2 June, 2020 at 12:06 pm by Andre Camilleri
Bank of Valletta is announcing that following developments in the COVID-19 scenario, it will be increasing the number of branches operating on Saturdays from six to 28, with effect from Saturday, 6 June.
Saturday branch opening hours will be reinstated to normal opening hours from 8.30am to 12.30pm, with cash withdrawals and cheques encashment accepted until noon. In view of the recently announced easing of the restrictions in place by government, the bank has reassessed its branch operations on Saturday aiming to increase the level of convenience to its customers.
Twelve BOV branches in Malta and one in Gozo will be offering full service on Saturdays including cheque encashment, cash withdrawals and deposits. Full-service branches are those located in Birkirkara, Gżira, Marsa, Mosta, Naxxar, Paola, Rabat, San Ġwann, Santa Venera, St Paul’s Bay, Valletta, Victoria Gozo and Żejtun.
Another 12 branches in Malta and three agencies in Gozo will also be open on Saturdays for non-teller services such as home loans, personal loans, investments, cards, internet and mobile banking applications. These branches will not offer cashiering services on Saturdays but will focus on being a hub for other banking services requiring discussions and advice by the bank’s specialised staff. These branches are located at Balluta, Buġibba, Floriana, Ħ’Attard, Ħaż-Żabbar, Ħaż-Żebbug Marsascala, Mqabba, Siġġiewi, St Julian’s, Tal-Ibraġ and Żurrieq. The Gozo agencies are those situated at Nadur, Xagħra and Sannat.
“Although we are still facing staff constraints due to the current scenario, we felt that we should provide further accessibility to our customers. More people have now returned back to their workplace and so are unable to conduct their banking business required from a branch outlet during the week,” declared Geoffrey Ghigo, BOV head Branch Network. “Through this new initiative in operating a select number of branches, open exclusively for non-teller services, we will be providing a more comfortable, safer and convenient experience for such customers.”
All the above-mentioned branches will continue to offer full services from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 1.30pm. Cashier service will be available until noon.
“Over the past few weeks we have seen an increase in demand for advice about loans and investments. These types of services by their very nature, call for lengthier discussions between customer and bank staff, so we wanted to provide a safe and more relaxed environment for customers requiring such services. We are also encouraging customers to avoid waiting in queues for their own safety and set up an appointment. These measures will help in reducing queues and waiting time for all customers including those requiring simple cashier service,” concluded Ghigo.
Customers requiring non-cashiering branch services can set up an appointment by sending an email to info@bov.com with the type of service required, mobile number, ID Card number and preferred branch or by calling on +356 2275 3500 Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
