Cardless Cash Withdrawal
BCEL
- Java
- NCR Integration
- QR Technology
Overview
The Cardless Cash Withdrawal system allows BCEL customers to withdraw cash from ATMs using only their mobile phone, without needing a physical debit card. This innovative feature uses secure QR codes for authentication.
Backstory
ATM card skimming was a growing concern in Laos, with fraudsters installing devices to steal card information. Customers were losing money to these schemes, and the bank faced reputational damage. Additionally, customers often forgot their cards or had them lost/stolen, leaving them unable to access their funds. A secure, card-free solution was needed.
Action
I led the end-to-end development of a QR-based cardless withdrawal system. The solution involved modifications to BCEL's mobile app to generate secure, time-limited QR codes, integration with NCR's ATM software to read and validate these codes, and backend services to authorize transactions securely. I coordinated the firmware rollout across 1,000 ATMs nationwide, working closely with the ATM operations team to ensure a smooth deployment.
Result
The cardless withdrawal feature was the first of its kind in Laos, positioning BCEL as an innovation leader. Within six months, 25% of ATM withdrawals were conducted cardless. ATM skimming fraud was effectively eliminated for users of this feature. Customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the convenience and security as major benefits. The feature has since become one of the most-used functions in the mobile app.