Main Problems in Zimbabwean Banking

Our Solutions to Banking Problems

At ZB Bank, we’re transforming your banking experience. We cut down waiting times and eliminate long queues by expanding digital banking and mobile-supported services. Our robust systems ensure reliable payments and seamless transaction processing, even during peak periods. With more accessible branches and mobile solutions, we reduce travel burdens and costs for our customers. Our dedicated service teams deliver friendly, efficient support every time. And during cash-scarce seasons, our streamlined cash management ensures you have uninterrupted access when you need it most.

Now let’s take a deeper dive into common banking challenges experienced by the average Zimbabwean and how we, as ZB Bank, can offer the strategic solutions you deserve.

Cash Shortages & Inaccessible Cash

The Pain Point

Many bank customers face persistent cash shortages at ATMs and bank branches, often forcing long queues or long-distance travel just to access funds. These ongoing shortages remain one of the main problems in Zimbabwean banking, especially since the dollarisation era.

The Effect

Cash shortages create major banking pain points, wasting time, causing missed opportunities, and leaving customers stranded with “no cash” when they need it most. For small businesses and daily-wage workers, unpredictable cash availability disrupts daily transactions and directly affects livelihoods.

Our Solution as ZB Bank

At ZB Bank, we are transforming banking through a combination of digital wallets and expanded access points. With our new Smile Cash mobile wallet, customers can transact, send money, receive payments, or pay bills without relying solely on physical cash. For users still needing cash, our widespread network of service centres (branches) and ATMs, plus our pioneering self-service centres introduced at several locations, gives more reliable access. Explore Smile Cash or visit your nearest ZB Bank service centre today to experience a banking service designed for real life.

Digital Banking & Technology Issues

The Pain Point

Many customers struggle to adopt online banking due to unreliable internet, high data costs, limited digital literacy, and ongoing security and data privacy concerns. Overloaded systems, high transaction volumes, and failed payments further erode trust in digital banking and highlight major banking pain points.

The Effect

When digital banking fails to work reliably, customers revert to cash, causing longer queues, more travel, and major inefficiencies. Payment delays, low confidence in electronic transfers, and digital exclusion make the overall banking experience cumbersome instead of empowering.

Our Solution as ZB Bank

We recognise that convenience must go hand-in-hand with accessibility and reliability. That’s why ZB Bank introduced the Smile Cash platform, enabling customers to transact using USSD (*225#) or a mobile app accessible even on basic phones and without constant high-speed internet. Additionally, our internet banking platform allows account holders to self-register online from home. With these tools, we offer flexible, secure digital banking suited to varied connectivity conditions, delivering service where it matters most. Open a ZB account today and take advantage of simple, reliable banking.

Poor Service Quality & Inconvenient Bank Branches

The Pain Point

Customers frequently face unfriendly staff, long turnaround times, limited branch hours, and inaccessible service centres, making banking halls feel more like a chore than a service. These customer-service frustrations remain one of the main problems in Zimbabwean banking, worsening overall banking pain points.

The Effect

Poor service and inconvenient banking processes limit financial inclusion, pushing many to avoid formal banking or rely on less secure alternatives. As businesses lose timely payments and individuals face daily financial stress, interacting with the bank becomes a burdensome banking pain point.

Our Solution as ZB Bank

We are committed to putting people first. Service is our foundation; that’s why our locations are service centres (branches), designed to feel welcoming and professionally managed. In many locations, we have rolled out self-service centres equipped with ATMs and internet banking zones providing 24/7 access even outside traditional banking hours. Combined with our digital wallet, this reduces reliance on crowded banking halls and long queues. Visit your nearest ZB Bank service centre and experience service-first banking.

High Fees and Payment Costs

The Pain Point

Many customers feel banking fees for transfers, withdrawals, and services are too high, discouraging use of formal banking and pushing some toward informal, unreliable alternatives. High banking charges can also greatly reduce the perceived value customers get, adding to major banking pain points.

The Effect

High banking fees discourage regular use of banking services, harming financial inclusion and pushing small businesses and families toward informal cash networks. As costs rise, formal banking becomes unaffordable or unattractive for many, deepening overall banking pain points.

Our Solution as ZB Bank

Recognising this challenge, ZB Bank launched Smile Cash and its associated payment gateway with a zero-fee policy for transactions for the first 12 months. This makes transfers, bill payments, and merchant payments significantly cheaper, offering value for money where traditional fees would be burdensome. Open a ZB Bank account today and experience transparent, service-first banking.

Lack of Trust & Volatility

The Pain Point

Many customers carry deep distrust in the banking system due to past payment failures and system outages that weakened confidence in banks’ ability to protect savings. Such issues can often reduce the adoption of formal banking and hinder long-term financial planning.

The Effect

Less trust in banking and financial challenges can cause many to avoid formal banking or frequently withdraw savings, limiting access to loans, mortgages, and secure savings. Businesses may also avoid banking systems, making the sector reactive rather than trusted and deepening key banking pain points.

Our Solution as ZB Bank

At ZB Bank and within ZB Financial Holdings, we strive to rebuild trust through transparency, innovation, and customer-centric service. Our digital offerings, such as Smile Cash and our payment gateway, give stable, reliable alternatives to cash, reducing dependency on an inconsistent cash supply. Our service centres and self-service facilities ensure access at all times. Explore ZB Financial Holdings’ services and open an account to enjoy dependable, future-ready banking.

“All financial institutions are not created equally, so where you choose to do your banking matters… finding the right one can end up saving you or making you a significant amount of money.”

How to Bank Smarter with ZB Bank

Conclusion

We recognise and openly acknowledge the real problems customers face with banking in Zimbabwe: cash shortages, unreliable cash supply, poor service quality, high fees, digital fragility, and financial hurdles. These are all issues we try to ensure our customers rarely experience, if ever at all.

As an organization, we can confidently say our reputation speaks for itself. You will hardly ever encounter any negative perceptions or even negative press about ZB Bank. We strive to ensure that there aren’t any drawbacks to ZB Financial Holdings' services. Our team strongly believes that our transparency, innovation, and a people-first philosophy are what truly set us apart from the rest. At ZB Bank, we are committed to putting service before all else. Service is our foundation; that’s why our locations are service centres (branches).

Open a ZB Bank account today and experience service-first banking designed for you.

FAQ: Main Problems in Zimbabwean Banking