Post offices to start internet-based banking services
The Postal Services Agency said Tuesday its postal savings division will start Internet-based banking services on March 25 on the strength of its nationwide network of post offices.
The “Yucho Internet Home Service” will enable holders of postal savings accounts to remit money, check balances at their accounts, have mailmen deliver envelopes containing cash to their homes or any address they specify and to pay for goods and services they buy via the Net.
Those with the “Pa-lu-lu” savings accounts with remittance functions or “Yubin Furikae” accounts with special emphasis on remittance features will be allowed to avail themselves of the new Net service simply by filing applications.
The banking services will be available around the clock except for New Year’s holidays and the nighttime of national holidays.
Holders of these accounts will be allowed to check savings balances free of charge via the Internet. But they will have to pay 130 yen for each remittance.
The agency said it will charge 970 yen for each cash delivery by a mailman of up to 10,000 yen, with charges depending on the amount of money delivered.
Under the “Internet Debit Settlement Service” segment of the new services, account holders will be allowed to pay for such goods and services as air tickets of All Nippon Airways and financial instruments of Nomura Securities Co.
The agency has tested and proved the effectiveness of the service with the cooperation of some 40,000 citizens since March 2000, it added.
