ICICI Bank Launches WhatsApp Banking

ICICI Bank launches WhatsApp Banking, to provide its users access to convenient and instantaneous banking in light of the countrywide lockdown due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Facebook-owned WhatsApp, the instant messaging application, has 400 Million user base in India, it's biggest market. 

ICICI Bank's retail customers can avail the following banking services through WhatsApp:

• Check their savings account balance
• Last three transactions
• Credit card limit
• Get details of pre-approved instant loan offers
• Block/unblock credit & debit card

Non-ICICI customers can also use the service to get details of the nearest three ICICI Bank ATMs and branches in their vicinity. 

The services can be availed instantly 24x7, without having to visit any branch or call their customer service helpline number. This comes as the World Health Organization and Central Banks around the world including the Reserve Bank of India made an  announcement to limit the use of banknotes and physical cash and urged the people to use digital payments to limit the spread of the virus. 

How to use ICICI Bank's WhatsApp Banking service?

If you have tried to check your mobile phone balance, the steps to use this service will be familiar.

Follow these simple steps to start using the services: 

• Save ICICI Bank's verified WhatsApp phone number, +91 9324953001 as a contact on your smartphone
• Then, send to this number from the registered mobile number 
• You will receive an automatic reply with a list of services available.
• Select the service you want to use using the keywords from the list of services. For example, etc.  

"Our retail customers can execute a host of their banking requirements on their own, without visiting a branch. The services are instantaneous and secure. With the growing prominence of social media in every-day life, we believe that this would add immense convenience to our customers, as it allows them to the bank while they are on social media," said Anup Bagchi, Executive Director, ICICI Bank.

Can NRIs send money through ICICI Bank WhatsApp banking services?

As of now, NRIs cannot send money through the ICICI Bank WhatsApp banking services. However, the press release further threw light on ICICIStack, a new technology that aims to cover all banking requirements such as digital account opening, loan solutions, investments, and payment solutions. 

ICICIMoney2India, the money transfer service of ICICI Bank provides online remittance services to India from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and more. 

Also, read:

Best ways to send money from Canada to India

Best ways to send money from the UK to India

Best ways to send money from the US to India