ATM use hits record 849,255 transactions on Dec 15

Transactions through the BancNet automated teller machines (ATM) network surged to a record high of 849,255 last Dec. 15.

The second highest number of transaction volume was recorded on April 12 with 743,908 transactions.

BancNet officials said that the record number of transactions in its network occurred on Dec. 15 this year because it was a payday for most employees and many companies also distributed their Christmas bonuses on the same day.

The National Government also reportedly released an additional bonus of P6,000 per employee last Dec. 15.

The third highest was recorded on Oct. 28 last year, a Friday and the eve of the long weekend leading to All Saints Day with 734,275 transactions.

The fourth highest transaction volume was recorded on Nov. 30 this year with 720,247 transactions.

BancNet executive vice president and chief operating officer Aristeo Zafra Jr. said that ATM transactions are expected to reach record levels until the New Year.

"We have advised the banks to monitor cash levels and keep their ATMs loaded," Zafra added.

BancNet urged cardholders to use their ATM cards for shopping instead of having to withdraw from the machines.

BancNet cards can be used to pay for purchases at thousands of shops and merchants nationwide such as the SM Group of stores, Rustan’s, Robinson’s, National Bookstore, Shopwise, Waltermart and Gaisano.

Its member banks are: the Allied Banking Corp., Asia United Bank, Banco Filipino, Banco San Juan, Centennial Bank, the China Banking Corp., Chinatrust Commercial (Philippines) Inc., Citibank, Citibank Savings, Citystate Bank, East West Bank, Export and Industry Bank, Green Bank, the Malayan Bank, the Manila Banking Corp., Merchants Bank, the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank), Opportunity Microfinance Bank, the Philippine Bank of Communications (PBCom), the Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), Philtrust Bank, Postal Bank, the Rizal Commercial and Banking Corp. (RCBC), RCBC Savings Bank, the Security Banking Corp., Standard Chartered Bank of the Philippines, The Real Bank, Tong Yang Bank, and World Partners Bank.