In just over a year Bank of Valletta processed over 1.5 million transactions through its 24x7 banking channels, and the number is increasing at an accelerated rate, the bank said in a statement last week.

"Such a high level of usage of the four channels, which include access to Internet, telephone, the Customer Service Centre and the recently launched mobile banking, underlines the convenience and added value that is being delivered to customers," the statement said, adding: "The popularity of the channels can be traced to three very practical factors: they're secure, they offer a hassle-free, real-time service and are highly cost-effective."

Subscribers can have an up-to-date, real-time position of their BoV accounts, be they deposit, loan or credit card, and irrespective of the currency in which they are denominated.

Other services available include funds transfer between accounts, payment to third parties both locally and abroad, settlement of bills, images of encashed cheques, and ordering cheque books and standing orders.

"When used in conjunction with BoV's ATM network, these channels empower customers to unprecedented levels, so that visiting a BoV branch becomes necessary only when face-to-face interaction is truly essential," the statement said.

Over the coming weeks, the bank is expected to announce other new functionalities through its alternative delivery channels. For more information about the services that may be obtained by logging on www.bov.com, phone the BoV Customer Service Centre on 2131-2020, or visit any BoV branch.