WINDHOEK – In less than two weeks the official phasing out of petrol cards will take place in Namibia. “We wish to remind our customers that they no longer will be able to use their Standard Bank Petrol Cards as from the end of this month,” warned Deborah Henckert Standard Bank Namibia’s Manager for Unsecured Lending, Credit Card Issuing & Market Development.
According to Bank of Namibia’s Determination on the Conduct of Card Transactions within the National Payment System (PSD-4), all financial institutions will not be allowed to accept petrol cards as legal tender in future. This means, as from February 28 Standard Bank customers will not be able to use their petrol cards for fuel purchases, spare parts or repairs. In view of this, Standard Bank Namibia has informed customers that they have the option to pay cash or use their Standard Bank credit/debit cards or fleet card when fueling up or having a car serviced.
The phasing out of petrol/garage cards usage in Namibia does not currently have any effect on the Fleet Management Cards of Standard Bank Namibia. “We are aware of the concerns raised by the service station owners and stakeholders from the oil industry about the phasing out of petrol cards. However, we are pleased to inform the oil industry that the phasing out will have no direct impact on their businesses, because they will be able to continue using their Standard Bank Fleet Management Cards as in the past,” emphasized Henckert. “Customers can apply for a credit or debit card from Standard Bank Namibia and use that to purchase fuel as from the end of the month. A credit card is quite versatile in the sense that it is a universal card recognised and used internationally. It can be used anywhere in the world,” said Henckert.
She added that a credit card can also be linked to one’s current account making access to finances even more accessible and convenient.
BY Staff Reporter