RHB integrates DuitNOw QR via API connectivity 

• Rapid transactions growth spurred bank to integrate DuitNow QR via API connectivity 
• Expects to onboard 30,000 new merchants by end 2021 with API integration​

THE increase in RHB Banking Group’s merchant transactions over the past year has seen the bank raising the benchmark by integrating the DuitNow QR via application programming interface (API) connectivity.

In a statement, Chung Chee Kai, head of group transaction banking, RHB Banking Group, said transactions have grown rapidly over the past year and the bank is seeing more than a ten-fold increase to approximately 120,000 transactions as at end-May 2021.

“With this API integration, we expect to onboard 30,000 new merchants by the end of the year,” he said.

RHB Banking Group claims to be the first bank in Malaysia to integrate DuitNow QR via API connectivity, allowing real time integration of DuitNow QR transactions with point-of-sale (PoS) and mobile POS system terminals to create a seamless contactless payment experience between merchants and their customers.

The bank said through this integration, all payments made using DuitNow QR are automatically captured and reconciled within the merchants’ payment system, including those made via the terminal payment system.

This automation process allows merchants to improve digital/ online efficiency, enabling them to collect instant payments without changing their payment process or the need to display tent cards or standee in their premises, RHB said.

Merchants can also easily view their DuitNow QR transactions on their POS/ mobile POS while managing their outlets and cashiers on RHB Reflex Mobile App, it added.

“The prolonged Covid-19 pandemic highlights the importance of contactless transactions,” said Chung.

“By simplifying the payment process through automation, we make it easier for merchants to manage their sales, and for their customers to complete their purchases without the need for physical interaction.”

He added that the RHB DuitNow QR is a convenient tool for merchants as it universally accepts payments from all participating banks and e-wallets. 

RHB is currently providing DuitNow QR via API connectivity to flagship merchant partners including Costa Coffee Retail Stores, The Chicken Rice Shop, DubuYo, and Sepiring outlets nationwide.

DuitNow QR via API connectivity further expands the capabilities of the RHB SME ecosystem, which includes the RHB Financing (SME) Mobile App and RHB SME Online Financing web portal, RHB noted.

The bank said the apps and portal are powered by artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data capabilities that delivers end-to-end innovative and versatile financial solutions to SMEs.

DuitNow QR is Malaysia's national QR code standard established by Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet), which promotes and encourages the use of digital payments.