National Bank Encourages its Clients to Stay Safe and Use Digital Banking Solutions

The first of the month is approaching, which increases the risk of spreading the virus

These past two weeks, National Bank has seen record use of its services from clients looking for advice on banking, financing, insurance, wealth management, trading securities and more. This situation is due to the economic and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and major turbulence in financial markets throughout the world. In these unprecedented circumstances, we understand that people are concerned.

With the approach of the new month, we are expecting higher traffic in branches and our call centre. That's why National Bank is asking its clients to stay safe at home as much as possible and use our digital solutions. If you have not yet signed up for National Bank online, this is the ideal time to do so. These solutions are efficient and secure and will make your day-to-day banking easier.

"Building relationships has always been central to the Bank's identity. Since the crisis began, our priority has been to ensure employees' safety while continuing to support our clients during this difficult time. But today, to make sure we protect as many people as possible, we're asking that clients use our digital solutions and consider whether their transactions are truly urgent and necessary, or whether they can be postponed for a few weeks," said Lucie Blanchet, Executive Vice-President – Personal Banking and Client Experience at National Bank.

Best practices

1. Payment deferrals for Personal Banking clients: NEW ONLINE FORM

Today, the Bank uploaded a new form so you can request a mortgage payment deferral, without leaving your home. A similar form will soon be available for personal loans.

2. Cashing government cheques: SIGN UP NOW!

Many clients have not yet signed up for direct deposit for government cheques. Our branch personnel will insist on this. Sign up here:

o   Federal: Direct Deposit Enrolment Form

o   Quebec: Request for Direct Deposit

3. Commercial Banking clients

Please visit nbc.ca/business for regularly updated information on government relief and programs available to support you during these uncertain times.

4. Daily transactions

Many transactions can be completed online. We ask that clients use online banking instead of our telephone services, which are primarily dedicated to urgent customer requests. Here are a few examples:

• View the balance of investment accounts (nbc.ca and mobile)
• Initiate, change or cancel pre-authorized contributions (PACs) for mutual funds (nbc.ca)
• Buy, sell or trade mutual funds (nbc.ca)
• Request a credit card limit increase (nbc.ca)
• Stop a payment (nbc.ca)
• Deposit a cheque (mobile)
• Pay a bill (nbc.ca and mobile) etc.

Clients can also use our automated telephone banking menu to perform certain transactions. They can:

• Hear their account balance
• Pay bills
• Check their most recent banking and credit card transactions
• Check prices on mutual funds

Reminder: Cash-free contactless transactions

Clients have the following options:

• Contactless payment by credit card – amounts can exceed $100 at participating merchants
• Contactless payments – debit card
• Mobile debit or credit payments through a smartphone
• Online purchases
• Online transfers or person-to-person transfers

Please note that we have revised the business hours of some branches. Please consult the branch locator for details.

A bank committed to the community

National Bank is also pleased to announce that it has donated its advertising airtime for the coming weeks and its scheduled social media posts to support Héma-Québec as it encourages citizens to donate blood.

The Bank also responded to an appeal from United Way Centraide Canada and announced a donation of $500,000 to the COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund intended to support those most in need in communities affected by the pandemic. The Bank's donation, along with community donations collected via the United Way Centraide Canada online platform, will be used to provide essential services, community services and services for senior citizens.

Furthermore, the Bank has donated $50,000 to Breakfast Club of Canada to help children who depend on the Club for a healthy, nutritious breakfast.

In closing, we'd like to thank all healthcare professionals and everyone fighting on the front lines of this pandemic, including our employees and other people in jobs considered essential to keep our society running smoothly.

Related links 

• National Bank – Update on COVID-19

• National Bank Announces Temporary Branch Closures to Limit the Spread of COVID-19

• COVID-19: National Bank to Offer Support to its Clients

• Canada’s Six Biggest Banks Take Decisive Action To Help Customers Impacted by COVID-19