BankDhofar Launches Soft POS Payment Solution
Businesses may receive payments from their NFC-enabled Android device
Quick and convenient payments, with no additional hardware
In line with its efforts to enhance customer experience through providing innovative and different payment methods, BankDhofar recently launched Visa’s Point of Sale (SoftPOS) Payment Solution. The first of its kind solution in the Sultanate is a low-cost, maintenance-free solution that allows merchants to accept payments quickly and conveniently through their NFC-enabled Android devices.
Commenting on the launch of Soft POS, Abu Baker Al Balushi, Head of Digital Banking at BankDofar, said: “To support Digital initiatives and the country’s evolution to a cash-less society, we are proud to announce the launch of the Point of Sale (SoftPOS) Paymentsolution that will enable a range of existing and new businesses to transform their mobile devices and tablets to payment terminals accept payment. the Soft POS will change the landscape of digital payments in the Sultanate enabling many merchants to accept all digital payments affordably and to enhance the value we add to our customers, as we continuously strive to expand on our value-driven, technologically-enabled products and services.”
With the Soft POS solution, businesses can accept payments from any contactless-enabled card or mobile wallet right from their NFC-enabled Android™ device. Items can simply be selected on the mobile application where the merchant can receive the payment by using their mobile or tablet device as a point of sale (POS) device. The service requires no additional hardware and delivers quick and convenient payment experiences. Merchants also have the option to send the payment receipt via email or SMS.
“The Soft POS highlights our ongoing efforts to provide seamless and convenient banking solutions to our customers. This low-cost, maintenance-free solution allows merchants to facilitate payments through a variety of contactless-enabled cards and devices. The solution will enable businesses to enter the market by making payment easier than ever. With no additional hardware required, companies can easily emerge into the marketplace with as little as a mobile device on hand.” Abu Baker Karim Al-Balushi, Head of Digital Banking, added.
To use Soft POS after merchant onboarding merchants can download the app from Google Play Store, and proceed using it’s services. Login credentials will be provided to merchants via email/SMS following eKYC completion. Once activated on the Soft POS, merchants can immediately start to accept contactless payments.
Moreover, the Soft POS gives businesses access to a host of added benefits that include omnichannel acceptance through chips, QR codes, Masterpass and closed-loop schemes in addition to contactless cards; 24/7 access to history, statements and reconciliations; direct push notifications for alerts, weblinks and in-history adverts; integration with loyalty by facilitating coupons and point redemption; pre-transaction controls on the amount, frequency, and time restrictions; chargeback resolutions by flagging transactions; and assistance with calculating and recording taxes as well as tip amounts with transactions.
Manish Gautam, Visa’s Country Manager for Oman, said: “With more consumers seeking digital - especially contactless - payment options as the result of the pandemic it has become critical for businesses to expand their acceptance methods beyond cash to not only survive the pandemic but also to thrive. This solution will enable merchants in Oman to accept contactless payments in an easy, and cost-effective way and help them reinvent the physical shopping experience for consumers. We are delighted to partner with BankDhofar to bring Soft POS to merchants in Oman, an important part in Visa’s efforts to support local businesses in their digital transformation and the government’s cashless agenda.”
BankDhofar puts digital technology and innovation at the core of its strategy. Considered one of the best banks in the region, BankDhofar continues to provide novel products and services that are custom-made to meet the needs and requirements of its customers. The Bank follows best international practices, providing elevated levels of customer experience, while always committed to community development and contribution to the growth of the national economy.
