Bank schedules for the holidays

CEBU, Philippines — As the Christmas rush peaks this weekend through next week, several banks have announced their operational schedules during the holidays.

Security Bank said all its branches will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

BPI also said select branches are extending banking hours from Dec. 10 to Jan. 3, 2019.

PNB, Robinsons Bank, RCBC and Chinabank separately said that some of their branches will be open on Dec. 24, 30 and 31.

Shortened banking hours will also be implemented in select mall branches on Dec. 24 (Monday) and Dec. 31 (Monday).

The electronic channels of these banks, meanwhile, are ready to handle transactions during this season.

Banks have encouraged their clients to use its electronic banking facilities and ATMs (automated teller machines) for their bank transactions.

Point-of-sale machines, ATMs and electronic channels will still be available during the holidays.

Cebu Bankers Club president Neil Darwin Credo earlier advised consumers to withdraw earlier to avoid the holiday rush.

"We advise the public to withdraw earlier ahead of holidays," he said, noting that most retail transactions nowadays can already be paid with debit cards.

"In that case, they don't have to line up in the ATMs (automated teller machines) to withdraw money," Credo said.

The CBC official also warned the public to be extra-vigilant this holiday season against ATM skimming, advising them to never disclose ATM card information.