Dash transforms every mobile phone into an ATM

News Release

Dash transforms every mobile phone into an ATM

Revolutionary service lets customers download cash as easily as downloading an app

Singapore, 3 June 2014 – SingTel and Standard Chartered Bank today unveiled Dash, a ground-breaking mobile money service that revolutionises mobile commerce and banking. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a telco and a bank, Dash offers innovative solutions that update the way customers access, save or borrow money, make payments, and purchase insurance.

At launch, Dash offers three innovative mobile money solutions:

1. Dash Easy – a bundle of two accounts in one solution – a savings account seamlessly linked to a mobile cash account. Customers can download cash into their mobile phones to pay friends and businesses without the need to access an ATM.
2. Dash Advance – a personal loan facility which customers can apply through their mobile phones, any time.
3. Dash Abroad – a customisable mobile travel insurance service which offers customers the flexibility to pick and choose coverage options to meet their needs while on the go.

(Please refer to Annex 1 for more details on Dash Easy, Dash Advance and Dash Abroad.)

At the heart of the service is the user-friendly Dash mobile app for Apple and Android smartphones that allows customers to sign up and access these solutions seamlessly.

Mr Allen Lew, SingTel’s CEO Group Digital Life, said: “Dash is centred round the lifestyle needs and habits of a mobile Internet generation who are used to downloading information and content on the go. With Dash, we are offering them an unprecedented experience by allowing cash to be downloaded into their phones as well.

“But Dash is more than that; it is a suite of mobile money services which integrates three important components – mobile banking, mobile payments and mobile shopping. By bringing together players in the banking, telecommunications and retail sectors, we are able to deliver a differentiating experience for consumers in terms of convenience, ease of use and accessibility. We are pleased to partner Standard Chartered, as well as the myriad of partners on our platform, to make Dash available to every mobile user.”

Mr Som Subroto, Standard Chartered’s Regional Head of Retail Clients, ASEAN, said: “At Standard Chartered, we have three guiding principles when we develop a new product: It has to be relevant to the customer; it has to be secure and it has to be innovative. Dash is a great example. We are always seeking ways to make banking simpler and more convenient for them. As device sophistication and network speed have increased over the years, so have consumers’ expectations of usability and service. We are delighted to have this opportunity to collaborate with SingTel, to conceptualise Dash and make banking even more convenient and relevant for everyone.

“Dash harnesses the power of technology and analytics to make the customer experience more intuitive, seamless and delightful, while ensuring that transactions remain safe, secure and confidential. This is just the beginning and I am excited to see how Dash will evolve.”

Dash updates the way you access money
Available to subscribers of all local mobile operators, Dash Easy is the first solution of its kind in Singapore that allows customers to download cash from a savings account directly into their mobile phones to pay friends and businesses. Customers no longer have to queue at ATMs to withdraw money.

Dash updates the way you pay friends
Dash Easy reinvents the way person-to-person payments are made, through a unique, patent-pending technology that mimicks physical cash transfer. With a swipe, customers can instantly transfer money from their phone to their friends’ phones, making it as reassuring as handing over cash itself. Alternatively, transfers can be made to anyone in their contact list.

Dash updates the way you pay for goods and services
Dash has partnered retail industry leaders to create a vibrant, next-generation mobile commerce community. With Dash Easy, customers can make secure payments at more than 20,000 acceptance points islandwide, including retail outlets, convenience stores, food courts and cafes, progressively rolled out in 2014. Customers will also be able to pay for their Comfort, SMRT and Prime taxi fares, without the usual administrative fees. To ensure that payments are secure, seamless and fast, Dash uses a patent-pending technology that integrates the mobile device with the merchants’ point of sale systems.

(Please refer to Annex 2 for a list of Dash partners and quotes.)

Dash updates the way you save
Dash is the first mobile financial service in Singapore where customers are invited to be co-creators. For example, customers play an active role in determining the interest rate of Dash Easy Savings Account by participating in a unique social media promotion. By including the #needsanupdate hashtag on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram posts, customers can bump up the interest rate on their account to one per cent per annum.

Dash updates the way you borrow money and buy travel insurance
With Dash Advance, customers can use the Dash app to apply for personal loans without having to visit a branch or speak to a bank officer. Dash Abroad offers a unique customisable travel insurance plan that gives customers the flexilibity to pick-and-choose coverage options to meet their needs.

Many more updates to come
Dash features will be regularly updated and enhanced, and customers can look forward to more exciting products, features and payment acceptance points in the coming months. They can submit their suggestions on new app features and enhancements via the Dash website, as well as recommend the businesses to be added to the list of supported partners.

Signing up is easy
Customers do not need to visit a bank branch or print copies of their NRIC, as all necessary personal details and documentation can be uploaded through the app. For a limited time, customers will receive a complimentary S$10 welcome bonus, ready to be used, upon the successful sign up and opening of the Dash mobile cash account.

For more information, please visit www.dash.com.sg

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About SingTel
SingTel is Asia’s leading communications group providing a portfolio of services including voice and data solutions over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms, as well as infocomm technology and pay TV. The Group has presence in Asia, Australia and Africa with over 515 million mobile customers in 25 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.

For more information about SingTel, please visit http://www.singtel.com

About Standard Chartered Bank
Standard Chartered in Singapore is part of an international banking group with more than 86,000 employees and a 150-year history in some of the world’s dynamic markets. We bank the people and companies driving investment, trade and the creation of wealth across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, where we earn around 90 per cent of our income and profits. Our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, Here for good.

Standard Chartered has a history of 155 years in Singapore, opening its first branch here in 1859 and in October 1999 was among the first international banks to receive a Qualifying Full Bank (QFB) license, an endorsement of the Group’s long-standing commitment to its businesses in the country.

The Bank transferred its Singapore Retail and SME business to a locally-incorporated subsidiary, Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited on 7 October 2013.

The Bank in Singapore serves both retail and corporate customers. It provides credit cards, personal loans, auto loans, mortgages, deposit taking and wealth management services to individuals and small to medium sized enterprises. The Bank also provides corporate and institutional clients with services in trade finance, cash management, lending, securities services, foreign exchange, debt capital markets and corporate finance.

The Bank employs over 7,400 people in Singapore and has a network of 19 branches, 8 Priority Banking centres and 31 ATMs. Standard Chartered is the only international bank to offer NETS service, giving its customers access to EFTPOS at over 17,000 outlets island-wide.

The Bank’s global business is managed out of Singapore, as is its global Technology & Operations function.

Annex 1 – Dash Product Details

Dash Easy
A savings account linked seamlessly to a mobile cash (mCash) account

• Get a Dash Easy Savings Account and a Dash mCash Account with one easy application.
• Get 1% p.a. interest on your Dash Easy Savings Account with 10,000 #needsanupdate posts. Simply post what you think #needsanupdate on your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account. There is no minimum initial deposit, minimum balance, fall-below fee or lock-in period.
• Top up from your Savings Account into your mCash account, and deposit money into your Savings Account, without queuing at the ATM or visiting the branch.
• Pay your friends with just a swipe to their mobile phone screens or choose from your contact list.
• Pay at more than 20,000 acceptance points in taxis and shops progressively rolled out in 2014, without the hassle of change or additional administrative fees.

Dash Advance
A personal loan on your mobile phone

• Apply for a personal loan entirely on the mobile without visiting a branch. The form allows customers to upload photos of their supporting documents, and lets them see their monthly repayment amount dynamically when they indicate the desired loan amount and repayment period.
• Get approval in principle in under 60 seconds.
• Get an advance of up to 4X monthly salary (or maximum S$200,000).
• Get interest rates as low as 4.98% p.a. (effective interest rate of 9.21%).

Dash Abroad
A unique customisable travel insurance plan

• Apply for travel insurance entirely on the mobile, with the flexibility to pick-and-choose coverage options to meet your needs.
• Basic plan start from as low as S$20.
• Dash Abroad travel insurance is underwritten by ACE Insurance Limited.

Additional rewards for Dash customers
Dash customers with two or more products will enjoy additional SingTel benefits, such as priority queue at the SingTel shops and 10% off mobile accessories.

To sign-up for the above products, simply download the Dash app or visit www.dash.com.sg. If you are a SingTel mobile customer, some of the fields in the form are pre-filled, thereby making it easier for you.

To see more details on Dash products, visit www.dash.com.sg
Product Terms and Conditions apply.

 

Annex 2 – Dash Partners and Quotes

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• 7-Eleven
• ACE Insurance
• ComfortDelGro Taxi
• Food Republic
• KFC
• Koi Cafe
• Pizza Hut
• Prime Taxi
• SingTel canteen and lobby cafe
• SingTel Shop
• SMRT Taxi
• Sodexo
• Spinelli
• Watsons
• WingTai Retail

“On behalf of 7-Eleven, I wish to congratulate SingTel and Standard Chartered on the launch of Dash mobile commerce solutions. 7-Eleven is proud to be one of the first retailers in Singapore to offer this revolutionary new way of accepting payment from our customers under SingTel’s brand new mobile money ecosystem. This innovative service by SingTel is aligned with 7-Eleven’s mission to continue to bring convenience to our customers.”

David Goh, CEO, 7-Eleven

“ACE is delighted to be a part of this exciting collaboration with SingTel and Standard Chartered Bank, both leaders in their respective fields. The ‘pick and choose’ nature of Dash Abroad is part of ACE’s promise to provide coverage that truly meets the needs of our customers. We are also committed to providing customers with fuss-free enrolments, efficient claims processes and really, to be there when we are needed the most.”

Mack Eng, Country President, ACE Insurance Limited

“BreadTalk and Food Republic are excited to be part of SingTel’s and Standard Chartered’s new initiative. With Dash’s multi-functionality, we are sure it will provide our customers with a new experience and enhanced convenience at our outlets.”

Joyce Koh, Senior Vice President, Group Brand Development, BreadTalk Group

“Cashless payments are fast becoming popular on board ComfortDelGro Taxis. We are excited about this new payment method Dash and will be making it available on board our entire fleet of 16,600 Comfort and CityCab taxis and limousines by November this year.”

Yang Ban Seng, CEO, ComfortDelGro (Taxi Business)

“We are privileged and delighted to be partners of SingTel and Standard Chartered for its launch of Dash. This is a breakthrough innovation in mobile money services which will bring greater convenience for our guests and enhance their overall purchase experience in our restaurants.”.

Koh Kek Sin, CEO, KFC and Pizza Hut Singapore

“Looking forward in this new digital age, businesses need to reinvent ourselves to keep up the pace of better consumers’ retail experiences. We are glad to be one of the pioneers to join SingTel and Standard Chartered in leading this revolutionary new mobile money ecosystem together. This new way of accepting payments through a mobile app will provide a more convenient and easier way to make purchases. This is truly going to be a new lifestyle trend in the coming years. We are glad to be in this wagon with Dash, leading the pack to achieve this. Congratulations, SingTel and Standard Chartered!”

Ma Yafen, CEO, Koi Cafe Group (S) Pte Ltd

“On behalf of Prime Taxi, I congratulate SingTel and Standard Chartered on the launch of Dash. Dash has boldly ventured into uncharted waters to bring to us, a revolutionary payment service. It is our honour to be amongst the pioneering supporting partners to turn Dash into reality. Once again, we wish Dash tremendous success.”

Neo Chee Yong, Deputy General Manager, Prime Car Rental and Taxi Services Pte Ltd

“We are happy to work with Dash on this new payment method to better serve our customers. Congratulations on this great innovation to Singapore’s leading telco!”

Bertrand Rousseau, Regional Director Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia
Managing Director Singapore, Sodexo

“Congratulations to SingTel and Standard Chartered for the launch of this innovative mobile application that makes transactions a breeze. A shorter transaction time would mean that we will be able to clear the queue quickly during peak hours; our baristas would also be able to spend more time interacting with customers. We are definitely excited to be on-board Dash!”

Jovi Teh, General Manager, Spinelli Coffee Company

“Watsons is always looking for ways to be innovative and hence we are happy to be the first and exclusive health & beauty retailer to partner with SingTel on this new additional payment mode. This new payment gateway offers yet another option for Watsons’ customers who prefer to pay using the latest technology and via their mobile smartphones. Watsons continues to bring in the latest and exclusive products to enhance our customers’ shopping experience – becoming the first health and beauty retailer in Singapore to adopt this new Dash mobile payment option.”

Daniel Teo, Chief Operating Officer, Watsons

“Wing Tai Retail is excited to be part of this revolutionary mobile payment platform where both the consumer and the merchant can make and accept payments conveniently. We believe such technological innovations can help heighten one’s shopping experience, injecting some fun yet convenient element and may even revolutionize the way consumers shop!”

Helen Khoo, Executive Director, Wing Tai Retail

Annex 3 – Top 10 FAQs

1. Is Dash a bank?

Dash is an innovative mobile money service created by SingTel and Standard Chartered. It is a suite of mobile banking, mobile payment and mobile shopping services, centred around the lives and routines of our customers and via digital devices.

2. Can anyone sign up for Dash products?

Dash welcomes customers of any local mobile service provider and any bank. The eligibility criteria for the Dash products are:

• Dash Easy – Singaporeans, PR or EP holders who are between 18-65 years old.
• Dash Advance – Singaporeans, PR or Foreigners who are between 21-65 years old and meet the relevant income requirements.
• Dash Abroad – Singapore residents who are at least 18 years old at the start date of their trip.

We will review these eligibility criteria from time to time, depending on product enhancements and regulatory changes.

3. Why is there a need for personal details and documents when I sign up for Dash products?

When you sign up for banking and payment products, it is important that your identity and personal data are verified. This helps us ensure that your money and transactions with us are kept secure. Please be assured that all your personal data is protected to the highest standards.

4. Can I download the Dash app onto any smartphone?

The Dash app is compatible with Android smartphones (OS versions 4.1.2 and above) and Apple devices (IOS versions 6 and above).

5. Is the Dash app secure?

Using the Dash app could be more secure than carrying cash in your wallet.

The app is protected with the following levels of security:

• A Dash mCash username and 6-digit PIN to access the payment transactions in the app.
• A Dash banking username and password to access banking transactions in the app.
• Specific functions also require a one-time PIN generated from a Dash or Standard Chartered security token card.

You may also choose to block your Dash mCash usage instantly via 1800-GET DASH (1800-438-3274). This is useful if you plan to travel out of town or when you have lost your mobile phone. You will receive alerts via your Dash app or an SMS notification for all payment transactions.

6. What should Dash customers do if they lose their phones?

If customers lose their phones, they should call us immediately to temporarily block their Dash mCash account from further use. They can do this by calling us at 1800-GET-DASH (1800-438-3274).

7. When you pay a friend by swiping across two phone screens, how do the two phones detect each other?

Using patent-pending technology developed by SingTel Group Digital L!fe, the phones detect each other using GPS location data and other key indicators. You will need to enable “Location” or “Location Services” on your smartphone. If you use an Android device with OS versions 4.4 and above, please ensure your location services are set to “High Accuracy” mode.

8. Is it possible to make a payment to someone who isn’t a Dash mCash customer ?

Yes, you can send mobile cash to anyone with a Singapore-registered mobile number. If the recipient is not a Dash mCash customer, the money is held temporarily while the recipient signs up for Dash. Once he does, the money is deposited into his Dash mCash account. If the recipient doesn’t sign up within 7 days, the money is returned to the sender.

9. What do you do if you pay to the wrong person or business?

Before any transaction can be made, a confirmation screen will appear. Always check that you are paying the right party.

However, in the rare instance where you have paid the wrong person, simply contact that party to obtain a refund. If you have paid to the wrong business, you may request for the transaction to be voided. If you need our help, please call us at 1800-GET-DASH (1800-438-3274). Refunds are subject to each individual businesses’ policy.

10. How do you deposit money into Dash Easy Savings Account?

Just like a regular savings account, you can deposit money via:

• Another bank’s online banking, standing instruction (SI) or GIRO;
• Cash deposit via the Cash Deposit Machines (CDM) at any Standard Chartered Singapore branch;
• Cheque deposit by mail or drop-off at any Standard Chartered Singapore branch;
• Moving Dash mCash into your Dash Easy Savings Account via the Dash app.

After sign-up and once your savings account is opened, you will receive your Dash Easy Savings Account number and ATM card/card PIN in the mail. Once you have these, you can deposit money into your account using the above methods described above.

Have more questions? Get them answered at faq.dash.com.sg