Ulster Bank is introducing a new, more secure payment option for cocooning customers who may be relying on another person to purchase essential goods.
Ulster Bank's "Companion Card" is a debit card which can by topped up by €120 every five days by the customer and given to a trusted person or carer to enable them to make purchases on their behalf.
ATM withdrawals using the card are also limited to €60 a day and, like all bank cards, are subject to Ulster Bank's fraud monitoring systems.
The bank said that to further enhance its security, the Companion Card has its own card number and PIN, and is linked to a separate account associated with the customer's existing current account.
The new card is the latest in a series of measures that Ulster Bank has introduced in response to the coronavirus crisis to protect vulnerable customers and enhance their ability to pay for essentials while protecting themselves.
As well as a dedicated vulnerable customer phone line, Ulster Bank has introduced elderly or carer in-branch opening hours and a range of supports for personal and business customers.
Ulster Bank's Managing Director of Personal Banking, Ciarán Coyle, said the Companion Card offers greater peace of mind for cocooning customers whose only option currently may be to hand over cash to a trusted person or even their debit card, which the bank would not recommend.
"As an extra security measure, the customer can only top up their Companion Card by ringing our dedicated elderly or vulnerable customer care team, who are fully trained to spot suspicious activity or requests," Mr Coyle said.
"Throughout these extraordinary times, we will continue to listen to and be guided by our customers in introducing services that meet their needs and provide meaningful help," he added.
Ulster Bank said that elderly or vulnerable customers who want to order a Companion Card or need to speak to someone about accessing their funds can freephone its customer care team, every day from 8am to 8pm, on 1800 656001.
