Greek banks have began phasing out the use of physical cards for ATM withdrawals, which marks a significant change in the way customers access their cash and banking services in Greece.
The transition will lead to a more digital and streamlines banking experience, allowing customers to, among other things, withdraw money through the use of their smartphones.
Currently, three Greek banks have rolled out ATMs that support the new, contactless system and more are expected to follow as demand for contactless services continues to grow across the country.
Several others have begun upgrading their ATM network to support the new technology, which is powered by digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Wallet.
Instead of inserting a debit or credit card in the machine, customers will be able to complete their transactions by tapping their smartphone on the ATM, which will be equipped with NFC technology. Users must first add their card details to their phone’s digital wallet. Once set up, they can use the device to access cash, check their account balance and make payments or transfers from the ATM by verifying their identity using Face ID, fingerprint or a secure pass code.
Church in Greece installs first ATM for digital donations
While Greek banks are a step ahead and are going contactless, the first point-of-sale (POS) machine for digital donation payments with debit and credit cards has been installed at the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Dionysius in central Athens, as churches in Greece begin to adopt digital payments.
The move offers worshipers, especially tourists, the option to make donations electronically with a card instead of using cash. The machine can accept donations of as little as one cent, with a cap at 1,000 euros ($1,130).
Discussions among church leaders began last summer and were driven by the need to modernize contribution practices and accommodate changing visitor habits.
The self-service POS machine, supplied by Donationpos, is placed beside the traditional donation box and cost the church approximately 1,500 euros ($1,695).
While initially intended for high-traffic and tourist-frequented churches, the system may be expanded to other locations based on demand and feedback.
Speaking to local Greek media, Father Georgios of the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Dionysius, where the first POS has been installed, said Catholic tourists visiting the church had requested the option to make digital donations because they don’t carry cash and prefer the use of cards.
“We finally gave in and gave them that option,” he says. “The donor chooses the amount for the candle. In foreign countries, this option has been in use for years, if not decades. Greeks are still processing the move and are trying to absorb it, but soon, it won’t look strange for anyone.”
