Republic Bank’s COVID-19 updates

Covid19 Updates

This is where we will provide regular updates on what we are doing to help support and keep you safe during this pandemic.

 

  • Message from our Managing Director

    At Republic Bank your health and well-being, and that of our staff and communities, are always our main priority. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we assure you that we remain committed to providing the banking services you need in the safest environments possible.

    Following the guidelines outlined by our public health authorities and the World Health Organization, we have increased the sanitization of all high-traffic touch points at our branches and provided personal sanitizing agents in our customer areas.

    As we each do our part in limiting the spread of the Covid-19 virus and in line with the urgings of the authorities around social distancing we request that customers consider minimizing their visits to the bank’s branches where possible by:

    • Utilizing the Bank’s digital and electronic channels
      • RepublicOnline
      • RepublicMobile
      • ATMs
    • Using your debit and credit cards at Point-of-Sale terminals instead of cash
    • Contacting us at (264) 498-2265 to find out how we may facilitate your banking needs via telephone
    • Postponing transactions if not critical

    If you are under quarantine or experiencing flu-like symptoms, please do not visit banking halls. We are ready and willing to meet your banking needs through any of the channels listed above.

    We encourage you to continue to observe the recommended hygienic practices to help prevent the spread of the virus; and to be mindful of those who may be more vulnerable around you. By observing these practices and working together, we can help protect our families, our communities and each other.

    Thank you for your understanding.

    Sincerely,
    Michelle Palmer-Keizer
    Managing Director

  • Change in Banking Hours

    We’re adjusting our banking hours from Monday, 20 April, 2020, until further notice, in support of the national response against COVID-19

    OPENING HOURS

    Mondays – Thursdays:

    8:00 a.m. to 12:00 midday.

    Fridays

    8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.-

    With the period 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. dedicated to the elderly, differently abled and other at-risk individuals

    Social Distancing
    To ensure that we’re all observing proper social distancing:

    • We’re limiting the number of customers allowed inside the branch at all times
    • Please remember to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from one another when inside and outside your branch

    Remember, our electronic and digital banking services are available 24/7. Please use them instead of visiting the branch, whenever possible.

    Thank you for your cooperation as we work together to safeguard your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Support to Customers

    We are working to ensure your continued access to the services you need most as we work together in the fight against COVID-19.
    From Monday, March 30, 2020, we will facilitate the following services:

    In Branch

    • Over-the-counter teller services for personal and business customers
    • Full ATM service
    • Limited processing of temporary credit facilities
    • Night depository services
    • Sign-ups for online banking
    • Debit card and credit card replacements
    • Processing and clearing of cheques

     

    Online

     

    • All online services, including RepublicOnline and RepublicMobile
    • Wire transfers
    • Online payroll services

     

    Available via Email and Telephone

     

    • Requests for urgent temporary credit facilities

     

    Please note that general lending services and opening of new accounts will not be available at this time to allow staff to attend to urgent and critical requests.

     

    We strongly encourage you to delay all non-essential banking requests until normal banking functions resume. We also urge all customers to minimise the frequency of their branch visits where possible by availing of alternative banking channels such as our mobile and online banking services.

    For urgent requests please call (264) 498-2265. You can also send us an email at ai.republicbank@rfhl.com

    We thank you for your cooperation.

  • Care Package FAQ
    • I believe I will have some financial shortfalls over the next few months as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Will Republic Bank be doing anything to help customers who have been impacted?
      Republic Bank (Anguilla) Limited has introduced a COVID-19 Care Package to help customers to improve their cash flow when they need it the most.
      • Moratorium on loans, including mortgages up to six months upon request.
      • Temporary increase of overdraft and credit card limits on a case-by-case basis, upon request.
      • Automatic fee waivers, until September 30, 2020, upon request:
        • ABM penalty fees (personal customers only)
        • Credit Card late fees and over-limit fees
        • Late fees on loan repayments
        • Penalty for early withdrawal of term deposits.

      You do not have to navigate these uncertain times alone. Republic Bank is here to help.

    • How can I request a moratorium?
      • Requests can be made by clicking here.
      • Requests can be made in branch once normal operating hours have resumed.
      • Please provide the information requested and we will be happy to serve you electronically.
    • What moratorium terms are available?
      All qualifying customers can select the option of a three or six month moratorium on all loans and mortgages.
    • How does the moratorium work?
      Mortgage and personal loan repayments will be suspended or postponed during the requested period of the moratorium. During this period, you will not be required to make any principal or interest payments, however interest will continue to accrue. Please note that you will not have to pay interest on interest during the period.
    • Will I be required to repay the deferred installments and interest accrued?
      Yes. At the end of the moratorium period, you will have the option to have the loan:
      • Extended by an additional one to six months, and a new payment amount recalculated.
      • Repaid over the original period of the loan, with the new instalment calculated based on the accrued interest.
      • Regularised by paying deferred payments (principal and interest) as a lump sum and maintain the instalment and exiting maturity date.
    • Can I opt to have a moratorium on the interest only and pay more towards the principal?
      No. For all personal loans, the full payment must be deferred.
    • Do all loans qualify for a moratorium?
      No. If your loan(s) is in arrears by more than 90 days, you cannot obtain a moratorium. If the arrears are less than 90 days you can qualify for a shortened moratorium. Further information will be provided on an individual basis.
    • Why is Republic Bank not making the moratorium automatic for customers?
      As a responsible financial institution, Republic Bank understands that every customer has different needs and we want to ensure that we give customers the ability to choose the best option that fits their unique circumstances and ensure they are better off financially.
    • How will Republic Bank treat with requests for reversals of loan payments for the previous months if the offer is not taken immediately?
      The moratorium takes effect from March 2020, therefore, no requests will be entertained for reversals prior to March. However, for partial or full payments made in March and going forward, the branch will determine on a case by case basis.
    • Will this moratorium request negatively affect my credit history?
      No. Once the request is made on or before the normal payment date or within the grace period of the loan facility, your credit history will not be negatively affected.
    • Is there any fee or cost associated with accepting this moratorium?
      No. There is no charge to the customer.
    • Why are there no Moratoriums on Credit Card Payments?
      Due to the high interest cost of credit card debt, we do not believe it would be in the customer’s best interest to miss credit card payments. Therefore, we encourage you to maintain at least your minimum payment.
    • How much time do I have to accept any of these offers?
      These offers will be available for the next six months. We will revisit the situation based on external circumstances and will advise you of any changes to the package.
    • How long does it take to get the moratorium in place?
      Based on volume of moratoriums requested, the process can take up to seven business days.
    • Are there any additional offers or savings for me other than Moratorium on loan payments?
      The following options are available to offer further relief:
      - Temporary increase on credit card limits on a case by case basis, upon request.
      - Automatic waivers, until September 2020, on:
      1. ABM fees due to withdrawals from Republic Bank ABMs
      2. Credit card late fees and over limit fees
      3. Overdrawn account fees
      4. Late fees on loan repayments for customers who have not taken up the moratorium offer
      5. Penalties for early withdrawal of term deposits