Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536175
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 JUNE 2025 7 COMMERCIAL MeDirect launches enhanced debit card security features MeDirect Bank has launched a new set of security features for its debit card customers, reinforcing the Bank's commit- ment to safeguarding client fi- nances through smart, flexible, and user-driven solutions. The latest updates introduce advanced controls that allow customers to manage their spending limits, block card usage in specific regions, and enable or disable online trans- actions. All these features are accessible via the MeDirect mobile app or internet banking platform. "These new functionalities reflect our ongoing efforts to enhance customer protection while offering greater control and personalisation," said In- grid Micallef, Head of Wealth at MeDirect. "With these tools, customers can proactively manage when, where, and how their card is used, adding an important layer of security in today's fast-moving digital en- vironment." With the new features, cus- tomers can now set custom daily, weekly, or monthly lim- its on card spending and ATM withdrawals. Additionally, with geographical access man- agement, users can restrict card usage to specific regions. By default, cards are enabled globally but users can activate or block access in different global regions, except Europe, as needed. Customers can also block or unblock the ability to make online purchases. If disa- bled, any online transaction at- tempts using the debit card will be automatically declined until re-enabled by the customer through secure authentication. "MeDirect continues to put in place the necessary safe- guards to ensure our custom- ers are protected. In addition, customers should also contin- ue to keep in mind the actions they can take to keep their card and account information safe," said Micallef. "This includes regularly monitoring account activity, using private, secure networks when banking online, never sharing card credentials or PINs, and acting immediate- ly in case of suspected fraud, using the tools available in our app such as 'Freeze Card' and 'Report Fraud'." For more information about the new MeDirect card fea- tures and how to activate them, visit www.medirect.com.mt/ pay/cards. Customers can also reach MeDirect via secure Message (through app or internet bank- ing), by email on customerser- vice@medirect.com.mt and by phone on +356 2557 4400 (Mon–Fri: 8:00am–6:00pm | Sat: 9:00am–1:00pm) Students encouraged to join BOV Club early and enjoy greater benefits BANK of Valletta is encouraging stu- dents to join BOV Club earlier than usu- al this year, just as soon as the summer holidays start, so that they can enjoy a swifter onboarding process and beat the rush that precedes the start of the scho- lastic year. Those students who apply to join the club by the end of June will get an additional €10 over and above the €60 welcome gift given by the Bank to stu- dents upon receipt of the first stipend in the newly opened BOV account. BOV Club is the ideal stepping stone to a world of banking and financial servic- es, aimed primarily at students who will start receiving stipends and maintenance grants at the start of post-secondary and University years. From the first debit or credit card to a myriad of opportuni- ties brought about by the world of digi- tal banking, such as mobile and internet banking and digital wallet solutions, BOV Club offers students easy access to their finances anytime, anywhere. Other benefits of the Club include pref- erential rates on lending for further stud- ies and purchasing of vehicles and also offers investment options in regular sav- ings plans, and trading stocks and shares. The Bank has also revisited its onboard- ing process for students, making it easier, faster, and more convenient to apply for a new bank account online. BOV Club is available to all full-time students aged between 16 and 30 who will be starting a new post-secondary or tertiary scholastic year after the sum- mer recess. Applying for a new stipend account can easily be done through https://join.bov.com. Students will on- ly be requested to visit their preferred Branch for the final sign-off to get their Bank account activated. Further infor- mation on the BOV Club Student Pack- age can be found on https://www.bov.