Equity Bank has announced a planned system maintenance that will affect some of its digital banking services. The scheduled maintenance is set to take place on Friday, 25th October 2024, from 11:00 pm to Saturday, 26th October 2024, at 1:00 am, and on Saturday, 26th October 2024, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.
During this period, customers using the Equity Mobile App, Online Banking services, *247# USSD, Eva Chatbot, and EazzyBiz platform may experience intermittent downtimes. However, the bank has assured its customers that other critical banking channels, such as ATMs, Cards, POS (Point of Sale), Equitel, Agents, and Cash Deposit Machines, will remain fully operational throughout the maintenance window.
Scheduled Maintenance Timeline
Equity Bank has outlined two maintenance windows during which some of its digital services may experience interruptions:
- Friday, 25th October 2024, from 11:00 pm to Saturday, 26th October 2024, at 1:00 am: This late-night maintenance window has been strategically scheduled to minimize the impact on customers. Equity Bank acknowledges the importance of round-the-clock access to digital services and aims to carry out necessary updates during off-peak hours.
- Saturday, 26th October 2024, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am: The second maintenance window is set to take place during early morning hours, targeting a period when transaction volumes are relatively lower. This timing reflects the bank’s commitment to minimizing disruptions to its customers’ daily banking needs.
Channels Affected by Maintenance
The affected services during the planned maintenance include:
- Equity Mobile App: Customers using the mobile app may experience temporary interruptions while attempting to access services such as balance inquiries, funds transfers, bill payments, and airtime purchases.
- Online Banking: The bank’s online platform may be temporarily unavailable, potentially affecting customers trying to perform various transactions, including payments, statement downloads, and real-time fund transfers.
- USSD (*247#): Equity Bank’s *247# USSD service may experience disruptions, limiting customers’ ability to carry out basic banking transactions, such as checking balances or transferring funds.
- Eva Chatbot: Equity’s AI-powered virtual assistant, Eva Chatbot, may also experience downtime, affecting customers seeking automated support and self-service options.
- EazzyBiz Platform: The bank’s online business banking solution, EazzyBiz, will be part of the planned maintenance, potentially impacting corporate and SME customers conducting high-value transactions or accessing business-specific services.
Uninterrupted Banking Channels
Despite the planned maintenance, Equity Bank has assured its customers that several essential banking channels will remain available without any interruptions. These channels include:
- ATMs: Automated Teller Machines will be accessible for customers to perform basic transactions such as cash withdrawals, balance inquiries, and mini-statements.
- Cards: Equity Bank’s debit and credit card services will remain unaffected, allowing customers to continue making in-store and online purchases without disruptions.
- POS (Point of Sale): The bank’s POS services will remain operational, enabling merchants and businesses to continue processing card payments seamlessly.
- Equitel: Equity’s mobile network and financial services platform, Equitel, will remain fully functional, providing customers with an alternative means of accessing various banking services.
- Agents: Equity Bank’s network of authorized agents will continue to offer essential services, such as cash withdrawals, deposits, and account inquiries, during the maintenance period.
- Cash Deposit Machines: Customers will have uninterrupted access to cash deposit machines for making deposits into their Equity Bank accounts.
Bank’s Commitment to Service Enhancement
Equity Bank has emphasized that the planned system maintenance is aimed at improving the overall customer experience by implementing critical updates to its digital infrastructure. The bank’s ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery are reflective of its commitment to leveraging technology to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
Apology for Inconvenience
In its official announcement, Equity Bank expressed its regret for any inconvenience caused by the planned maintenance and reassured customers that every effort is being made to minimize disruptions. The bank encouraged customers to plan their banking activities in advance, particularly for transactions involving the affected digital channels.
Key Points to Note
- Dates and Time: The scheduled maintenance will occur on two occasions:
- Friday, 25th October 2024, from 11:00 pm to Saturday, 26th October 2024, at 1:00 am.
- Saturday, 26th October 2024, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am.
- Affected Channels: Equity Mobile App, Online Banking, *247# USSD, Eva Chatbot, and EazzyBiz platform.
- Uninterrupted Channels: ATMs, Cards, POS, Equitel, Agents, and Cash Deposit Machines will remain operational.
- Customer Guidance: Customers are advised to carry out urgent transactions before the maintenance periods and utilize the uninterrupted channels if necessary.
Enhancing Digital Banking Experience
Equity Bank has been at the forefront of digital banking innovations in Kenya, and the planned system maintenance is part of its broader strategy to offer seamless and efficient services to its customers. The bank has made significant investments in technology to cater to the growing demand for digital solutions and self-service options.
By continuously upgrading its digital platforms, Equity Bank aims to provide a secure and user-friendly experience for its customers, enabling them to carry out transactions conveniently from anywhere and at any time.
Message to Customers
Equity Bank has urged customers to stay informed about the planned maintenance and to leverage alternative channels for any urgent transactions. The bank remains committed to keeping its customers updated on any further developments through its official communication channels.
The planned maintenance by Equity Bank reflects its proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing digital banking services. While some customers may experience temporary disruptions, the availability of alternative channels and the timing of the maintenance demonstrate the bank’s commitment to minimizing inconvenience.
As digital banking becomes increasingly integral to daily life, Equity Bank’s efforts to ensure smooth and reliable services underscore its dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences. The planned maintenance is a necessary step toward achieving this goal, and customers can look forward to an enhanced digital banking experience once the updates are complete.
