Swipe with Confidence?

NCB’s Digital Push is Bold — But Jamaicans Still Want Security Along for the Ride

Let’s give NCB Jamaica its well-earned flowers: the bank is clearly sprinting ahead in the marathon toward a digital economy. With tap-and-go toll booths, mobile phone payment tools for small businesses, and a wallet that now handles everything from Jam-Dex to Western Union remittances, it’s safe to say NCB isn’t just talking the digital talk — it’s coding it, launching it, and rolling it out across the island.

The move to transform everyday transactions — whether paying toll or picking up lunch at a cookshop — is nothing short of revolutionary in a country where cash still reigns like it’s the only don in town. For our entrepreneurs, especially the small and micro-businesses who often operate from market stalls, street corners, and tiny storefronts, this is a game-changer. Imagine turning your phone into a payment terminal — no more having to tell customers, “Mi nuh have no change,” or losing a sale because someone only has card.

And then there’s the bigger picture: financial inclusion. NCB’s initiatives aren’t just about convenience; they’re about dragging the informal economy out of the shadows and into the 21st century. With tools like Lynk, people who’ve never set foot in a bank can receive remittances, pay taxes, and build a digital financial history — things that were once reserved for the few who had “banking privileges.” That’s a move worth applauding with both hands.

But while we celebrate the “ease” of digital, let’s not get too dazzled by the gloss of technology without addressing the gritty underside: digital security.

You see, while we tap phones and swipe cards, many Jamaicans still move with that quiet scepticism — the kind that comes from hearing too many stories about hacked accounts, phantom charges, or money that “vanish like duppy in di dark.” It’s no secret that confidence in digital banking is still fragile, especially when fraud cases drag on for weeks and frustrated customers end up getting bounced between call centres and silence.

The fact is, a flashy ePOS rollout is fantastic — but what good is it if the average Jamaican doesn’t feel protected when something goes wrong? Security, responsiveness, and trust must evolve at the same pace as innovation. That means clear fraud protection policies, faster dispute resolution, and real transparency when things go awry.

NCB has shown that it can lead the way in payment innovation. Now it must lead the way in building digital trust. That means not just educating the public on how to use these tools, but reassuring them that when they use them, their money is safe, their data is secure, and their issues will be dealt with swiftly — not eventually.

So, as we cheer NCB for helping us put our cash under less pressure, let’s also nudge them — lovingly but firmly — to make sure the digital future isn’t just bright but bulletproof.

Because in a country where hustling is an art and entrepreneurship is survival, we don’t just need tools.
We need tools we can trust.