Customers of Scotia Bank will now be able to use their credit cards at all of the bank's locations countrywide with the introduction of the Scotia Bank International automated banking machine (ABM) connectivity.

The Bank of Nova Scotia launched its International ABM connectivity on Wednesday and also revealed that by next year customers would be able to access their accounts from ABMs or point of sale (POS) terminals worldwide.

Speaking at the launching Manager of Scotia Bank Ian Cooper said customers will now be able to use their MasterCard and related Cirrus cards at any Scotia Bank ABM for withdrawals, check balances and access cash advances. Persons with Visa and related Plus cards will also be able to access their accounts at Scotia's ABMs by late January. Cash will be issued in Guyana dollars. Scotiabank said that the Cirrus and Plus brands account for the majority of internationally available credit and debit card products.

Scotia is expanding its network of merchants and external ABMs, Cooper said, adding that over 100 merchant locations throughout Guyana are currently accepting international cards. This is expected to grow to 200 in time for Cricket World Cup. Cooper said plans are in place to have an ABM at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel and two at the Providence Stadium. The international ABM connectivity offers personal benefits and financial freedom to customers.

Family and friends visiting need not risk bringing cash with them as they can now use their cards at any of Scotia's ABMs, he said. Customers and non-customers also can access cash advances on their credit cards to cater for any of life's eventualities.

Cooper also revealed that during 2007 customers will be able to access the bank online 24 hours a day seven days a week at www.guyanascotiabank.com. And he added that by the end of next year, Scotia card-holding customers will be able to access their accounts at any of more than 50 million ABMs or POSs in the world that display the Visa Plus logo.

Attending the launching were Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Captain Gerry Gouveia, CEO of the Local Organising Committee for Cricket World Cup Karan Singh and President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association Cathy Hughes. Connectivity had been an issue raised by some persons who intend to come for next year's world cup cricket.