Steward Bank unveils new online payment platform

Steward Bank, Zimbabwe’s largest bank by depositors, has unveiled Steward Pay, an online payment

gateway that facilitates the processing of local and international payments online via VISA,

Mastercard, EcoCash and Steward Bank accounts.

Steward Bank chief executive, Courage Mashavave said the launch of Steward Pay is part of the

bank’s ongoing cycle of technology investment intended to meet its clients continuously evolving

digital needs.

“Steward Pay replaces the need for physical cards and cash when transacting using an easy, safe

and very secure payment method, whether you’re in a store or online,” he said, adding that the

platform is designed with a user-friendly interface that gets payments processed instantly.

He said Steward Pay combines the benefits of cloud native technology with enhanced security, 24

24/7 availability, and world class operational services standards. In addition he said, it also offers

enhanced performance, ease of integration, and seamless self-onboarding onto the payments

platform for customers through standard APIs (application programming interfaces) .

Steward Pay utilises data analytics, thus allowing merchants to see analytics related to their

transactions using a convenient configurable reporting tool. In addition, individual customers and

merchants are able to use multiple accounts from different financial service providers under one

account. This allows users to pay from and merchants to receive into any bank account.

Mashavave said with the introduction of the new online payment system, Steward Bank is set to

connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making

payments safe, simple and smart for individual customers and businesses in Zimbabwe.

“We are proud to continue playing a key role in facilitating online payments for businesses across

Zimbabwe, and to help foster further economic growth in the country. Steward Pay will empower

customers by diversifying their payment options, providing greater flexibility and peace of mind,” he

said.

Mashavave said it was easy for one to be onboarded as a Steward Pay merchant.

“To be onboarded as a Steward Pay merchant, one simply visits the Steward Pay website,

www.stewardpay.co.zw, and register. A Steward Bank representative will then get in touch with you

to finalize the process within 24 hours.

“Once approved, the merchant can start securely receiving payments from the various payment

platforms supported including international and local payments.”

To make a payment using Steward Pay, he said a customer simply registers a profile on the Steward

Bank Square app, or while initiating a payment for the first time. They then add a supported

payment method, such as their Steward account or EcoCash wallet details.

To finalize the payment, the customer will then select the Steward Pay option on an integrated

merchant’s platform. Once authenticated, the payment is transferred directly from the customer’s

bank or wallet to the merchant’s account. The customer is returned to the checkout page and the

transaction is complete.-newsday