Finance
EastWest Bank recognized at Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2024
For an innovative service that uses Facebook Messenger
EastWest Bank was recognized and awarded at the Asian Banking and Finance Awards 2024 for an innovative digital banking service that utilizes Facebook Messenger. The Philippines-based bank took home the Mobile Banking and Payment Initiative of the Year honor for its EastWest System Tech Assistant (ESTA).
This service was launched in 2020, and has since redefined the digital banking experience specifically for credit cardholders. The award ceremony took place last July 4, 2024 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore.
Award-winning innovation
EastWest Bank’s ESTA leverages the power of Facebook Messenger, offering its credit card clients a platform to effortlessly perform a variety of services. While most businesses use Messenger only for basic customer service functions and inquiries, EastWest Bank’s innovation is the first of its kind in the Philippines. It offers full-service functionality tantamount to a mobile app or even a web portal.
Among ESTA’s key features are:
- real-time transaction and balance displays
- viewing of unbilled, current, and historical transactions
- limit increase requests
- supplementary cards
- points redemption
Additionally, customers may lock and unlock accounts in real-time for security purposes. They may likewise fulfill installment conversions immediately and update customer information on the spot.
Lastly, the platform allows for promotions search and display, submission of customer service support tickets, and querying of EastWest credit card product features and other information through ChatGPT.
ESTA’s effectiveness has garnered it a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 60 for credit card servicing and an impressive NPS of 81 for application onboarding. Its importance was highlighted further during the COVID-19 pandemic season, as it kept the bank’s credit card business ongoing.
Looking ahead, EastWest Bank is working on adapting more digital processes and services for the present age. Transitioning with improvements, upgrades, and updates will enhance the bank’s digital capabilities.
Apps
Turn your cravings into cashback with this new credit card
EastWest, Visa, and foodpanda created a lifestyle card that rewards your everyday life in the most delicious way!
There comes a moment in every busy, convenience-loving yuppie’s life when the heart encounters something that simply gets it.
For many, that moment will happen the first time they hear about the new EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card.
This cobranded creation from EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa feels like a treat wrapped inside another treat, made for those who thrive on ease, comfort, and a healthy dose of instant gratification.
Think of all the small joys in your routine. The iced latte that turns your morning around; the comforting order that saves an exhausting weekday; or the impulsive midnight craving that somehow counts as self-care.
Now imagine every craving quietly earning something meaningful in return. That is the lifestyle this card was built to support.
Cashback that keeps the cravings flowing
Cardholders receive 10 percent cashback on all foodpanda orders with earnings of up to Php 400 each month.
Cashback continues at 3 percent even after reaching the cap, which keeps rewards flowing for frequent orders.
Users also receive 1 percent cashback on overseas transactions and 0.3 percent on other local purchases. All cashback across categories has a combined limit of Php 1,000 per month.
The card is free of annual fees during the first year and early users receive a complimentary six month pandapro subscription.
Cashback is credited weekly to the user’s pandapay wallet for immediate access. This weekly reward cycle is a first in the local market. It reflects foodpanda’s focus on instant gratification and smooth digital experiences.
EastWest, foodpanda, and Visa aligned on a single goal. They wanted a card that fits into everyday routines, feels simple to use, and delivers rewards in a fast and friendly way.
Lifestyle card for a lifestyle-first way of spending
Younger Filipino consumers are embracing credit cards that care about their lifestyle choices.
The EastWest foodpanda Visa Credit Card fits right into this shift, giving people a financial tool that rewards the habits they already enjoy.
It creates a gentle nudge toward smarter spending without taking away the fun or the flavor.
Visa’s global network makes tap-to-pay transactions fast and secure. With automatic weekly cashback and worldwide acceptance, the card creates a rewarding experience that enhances how Filipinos dine and enjoy their favorite cravings.
This card understands one universal truth: Every order has the potential to be more than a meal. Now, it comes with rewards ready to follow you everywhere.
To learn more or start your application, visit eastwestbanker.com/foodpanda or tap ‘Apply Now’ on the foodpanda app.
Apps
Don’t get tricked: Spot these financial monsters before they get you
Ghosts are harmless compared to these real-life threats that prey on your hard-earned money.
The spooky season has arrived, but not all monsters wear masks. Some hide behind fake links and shady offers designed to trick you into giving up your hard-earned money.
These are the real-life financial monsters: fraudsters, impersonators, and manipulators who turn everyday moments into horror stories.
According to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, 32% of Filipinos have fallen victim to digital fraud in the past year. And while it’s tempting to think you’d never fall for one, scammers are getting smarter and more creative.
Here’s what to watch out for:
Suspicious links and emails.
Those random texts and emails saying “there’s a problem with your account” or “you’ve won a prize”? They’re classic traps.
Scammers disguise themselves as legitimate companies to steal your information or access your accounts. Always double-check the sender’s address. If it looks off, don’t click.
Grammar gone wrong.
If a message is full of weird typos, awkward phrasing, or off punctuation, that’s a red flag.
Reputable companies review every message they send. When in doubt, don’t reply. Report it to authorities like the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI.
Urgent and emotional messages.
Scammers love to pressure you. They’ll make you feel scared or guilty to get you to act fast.
Real companies won’t threaten or rush you into sharing personal info. Take a breath, hang up, and reach out to the official hotline to verify.
Deals that sound too good to be true.
If someone promises instant money or massive discounts, run. These scams often demand “processing fees” or personal info before disappearing. No legitimate prize will ever require payment upfront.
Behind every scam is a story of someone who deserved better. Sometimes, what started as a simple loan application can turn into a nightmare if a rogue online lender decides to harass someone over payments they didn’t even fully receive.
It’s a familiar story for many Filipinos who’ve been preyed on by unregistered or unethical financial services.
Thankfully, more responsible lenders and financial platforms today (Tala, for example) are working to raise awareness and fight back against these threats.
Some even use advanced systems to flag suspicious behavior, partner with authorities for investigations, and educate communities through financial literacy programs.
At the end of the day, awareness is your strongest defense. So this Halloween, stay sharp because protecting your peace (and your money) will always be the sweetest treat.
Finance
EastWest launches BizAccess Visa Debit to simplify SME banking
Faster, easier control of finances
EastWest has introduced the BizAccess Visa Debit. It’s a new banking solution built with Visa to give SMEs a more efficient way to manage day-to-day finances. It combines a checking account, a dedicated debit card, and other digital tools. These will help business owners separate funds, track expenses, and streamline operations.
SMEs make up 99% of businesses in the Philippines. EastWest says the goal is to give entrepreneurs a system that keeps up with their fast-paced routines. BizAccess supports this with real-time transaction monitoring, easier cash flow management. There are also tools that let owners stay focused on running and growing their business.
BizAccess Visa
At the core is the BizAccess Visa Debit Card. It offers a secure way to handle purchases, supplier payments, and other business expenses. Business owners can issue up to ten cards to staff, allowing centralized tracking and clearer visibility across transactions. The card also includes travel accident insurance, transaction alerts, and access to Visa-exclusive promos and rewards. EastWest is extending a welcome offer alongside waived over-the-counter fees for deposits and withdrawals.
The card is paired with a BizAccess Checking Account, which requires a minimum maintaining balance of PhP 25,000. Entrepreneurs can manage the account through EasyBiz Online Business Banking. They can view balances, monitor activity, pay suppliers, manage cash flow, process government payments via eGov, and settle corporate bills. EasyBiz also supports card lock and unlock controls for added security.
EastWest and Visa highlighted the versatility of BizAccess by welcoming long-time business clients during the launch. In attendance were Aficionado, Bosch Car Service, Colombo Merchant Philippines, Kenzo and Kloe’s Nature Farm, and Nacho King — a mix of brands that represent Filipino entrepreneurship across different industries.
SME owners and decision-makers can now apply for the BizAccess Visa Debit Card at any EastWest Store. The checking account can also be opened and managed online, with EasyBiz offering step-by-step guides for activation and setup.
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