ATM to Cell Phone: Ill Give You a Call

Using a Personas ATM, NCR demonstrated how the security of the self-service channel can be increased when SMS transaction confirmation messages are sent directly to the cell phone. An electronic ATM receipt transmitted from the ATM to the cell phone provides real-time notification of transactions. Not only does this give consumers an electronic alternative to the traditional paper receipt, but it also promptly alerts them of any unauthorized transactions so that appropriate and preventative action can take place. For the visually impaired, accessibility to the ATM channel can also be improved. Rather than the consumer plugging in a headset to an audio jack at the ATM, using a Bluetooth connection means that audio can be provided directly to their headset in an inconspicuous manner. According to the World Health Organization, two million Canadians have vision restrictions. With aging cited as the leading cause of blindness, the number of visually impaired consumers will continue to multiply as Canadas Baby Boom population ages. Having personalized access to self-service will be an important measure of their overall quality of life. NCR also highlighted the synergy between ATMs and mobile technology by demonstrating how the ATM can be used as a: - vehicle for consumers to recharge their pre-paid cell phones - top-up facility for cashless payment systems such as an electronic wallet stored on a cell phone. As part of the demonstration, NCR used a cell phone equipped with an RFID tag to conduct an ATM transaction. No bank card required. As part of its ongoing research activity in this area, NCR has been an active participant in the Mobey Forum working to understand banks needs and to develop solutions that leverage customers existing ATM infrastructure.