The Bank of Sierra Leone has announced an extension of the deadline for all financial institutions and fintech companies to fully integrate into the National Payments Switch.
In a press release issued on April 10, the bank stated that the new deadline is now set for June 30, 2025, extending the original date of March 31, 2025.
This extension is aimed at accommodating financial institutions and fintechs that were not ready to complete their integration by the initial deadline. All institutions are now required to route all domestic transactions through the National Switch to enhance the efficiency and security of payments in Sierra Leone.
The Bank of Sierra Leone has formally instructed all financial institutions and fintechs that have not yet joined the National Switch to engage with the National Switch Department to ensure complete integration into the system.
Additionally, the bank has confirmed that all existing bilateral arrangements between financial institutions and fintechs will remain permissible during the extended period from March 31 to June 30, 2025. By the end of this period, the Bank of Sierra Leone expects all institutions to be fully integrated into the National Payments Switch.
To enhance customer convenience and streamline payment processes, Guarantee Trust Bank Sierra Leone (GTBank SL) has introduced step-by-step instructions for making Freetown Terminal payments through their Internet banking platform.
To initiate the payment process, customers are instructed to visit the official website of GTBank Sierra Leone at https://www.gtb.sl. Once on the website, users are prompted to click on the prominent “Big Green Button” to authenticate their access.
Upon successful authentication, customers are required to enter their unique customer ID and password. After entering the credentials, clicking on the “Green Button” allows users to access the various functionalities available on the platform.
For Freetown Terminal payments specifically, users are guided to click on the “payment & collection” section and then choose the “Freetown Terminal” option. This directs them to a new interface where they are prompted to click on “Make New Payment.”
On the new payment screen, customers are prompted to input essential details for their transaction. This includes the Invoice Number and the Customer Code. Once these details are correctly filled, users are instructed to click the “continue Button” to proceed with the payment.
The final step involves clicking on the “Pay” button to validate the payment. This action confirms the transaction and ensures that the payment is successfully processed through the GTBank Internet banking platform.
GTBank’s initiative to provide step-by-step instructions for Freetown Terminal payments aims to simplify the user experience and facilitate efficient transactions. By offering a user friendly interface and clear guidelines, the bank aims to empower its customers to seamlessly navigate the online banking platform and carry out transactions with confidence.
This move aligns with the broader industry trend of financial institutions leveraging technology to provide secure and accessible banking services. GTBank continues to demonstrate its commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation by implementing features that enhance the overall banking experience for its clientele.
Customers are encouraged to follow these step-by-step instructions to experience a hassle-free process when making Freetown Terminal payments through GTBank’s Internet banking platform. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in the banking sector, GTBank remains at the forefront, adapting and evolving to meet the changing needs of its customers.
