Journalist Pavel Zingan, in an interview with Nica Obriște, Product Owner maibank payments
Nica, hello. I’d like to discuss the recent developments in the maibank mobile app. Updates seem to be made quite frequently, but lately, I’ve noticed a significant leap with numerous updates over a very short span of just a few weeks.
Yes, we’ve been working on redesigning and refining various functionality modules, including utility payments. It was essential for us to meet the expectations of maib customers. We continuously collect feedback from our customers, and it became clear there were opportunities to enhance the utility payment process. Since nearly every customer manages utility bills, we aimed to deliver the most efficient tool possible.
What changes are we talking about?
These updates introduce a new interface and a more convenient way to handle all necessary payments. We’ve added a that allows customerss to pay a bill and automatically integrate it into their monthly payments or templates. If the system identifies that a bill is recurring each month, it will be included in the monthly payments. For bills paid irregularly, they will be added to templates, enabling customers to use this function with minimal effort whenever needed. Additionally, if a customer later decides that payment should be added to templates, it can be easily converted with a simple "long tap." Similarly, templates and recurring payments can be renamed or deleted with the same straightforward "long tap".
So, if I pay monthly for internet service in my apartment, will that bill be included in my monthly payments?
Exactly. We now have over 600 service providers integrated into maibank.Although their billing algorithms may vary, we compile all the information, and when the bill is displayed in our system, we notify the customer of the pending payment. The customer simply has to access the maibank app and make the payment.
I think something similar already existed in the app, didn't it?
Regarding functionality, yes, but now it has become more convenient for customers. We’ve improved the user experience to minimize the steps required. It’s now easier and more intuitive. We’ve focused on ensuring that bills appear exactly when they must be paid. If a service provider issues a bill today, the customer can pay it immediately.
So, now can I skip verifying my email for bills from my internet provider and check the maibank app to pay them when they are displayed?
Yes, you are right. You only need to set this up once. In the future, once we can identify bills by the customer ID number, they will be displayed for immediate payment. For now, the initial payment helps us create the template. After that, we’ll categorize it into monthly payments or templates, reducing your time on bill payments.
Can these be turned into templates if I frequently make P2P payments to designated recipients?
Yes, you already have this feature. For the past six months, templates and popular contacts for payments made via phone number or card number should be appearing.
I will closely monitor the updates in maibank. What functionalities can we expect in the near future, if it’s possible to talk about them already?
As of August 1, we completed implementing QR code payments for the MIA instant payment system. Now, through maibank, users can generate both static and dynamic QR codes - with or without a specified amount, with or without an expiration date. This will make the process of transferring funds even more convenient and straightforward. Since MIA allows QR code generation only for MDL accounts, we’ve also added functionality to generate QR codes for foreign currency accounts for maib customers.
To summarize, to ensure I don't miss anything myself, and so my readers - maibank users- don't miss anything. The updates include simplified utility payments, MIA transfers, including between accounts at different banks (me2me), and QR code payments. Additionally, the app will soon offer SWIFT transfers. Have I left anything out?
Exactly. But until the end of the year, additional developments are planned, so keep an eye out for new pages and sections in maibank. We are working to expand the app's functionality and make it as convenient as possible for our customers. We are also looking forward to when Moldova joins SEPA to offer our customers the ability to transfer funds easily and freely across Europe.
