Instead of taking the bus or paying expensive cab fare to Apia, National Bank of Samoa customers in the rural villages will have the services knocking on their front doors thanks to the bank's newly launched mobile banking vans.

Two new multi-passenger vans worth over NZD$90,000  and equipped with the latest in digital technology for banking were launched on Friday.

In an interview with the media, chairman of the board, Fanene Etuale Sefo said the service will greatly assist farmers and people in the rural areas.

"It's a really important service as the banking services will be delivered to your homes especially in the rural villages instead of going through the hassle of coming to town," he said.

"Most businesses (in the rural villages) always have to deposit their savings or do their banking daily. This will assist cocoa farmers and those involved in businesses in the rural areas."

The specific locations for where the mobile banking vans will travel to is yet to be confirmed but according to the chairman, it will be announced soon. 

Asked whether it's easier and more convenient to carry out a mobile service instead of a new branch in the rural or targeted areas, Fanene said 'yes' after thorough research.

"If we open a new branch then we will also need to look at hiring new staff as well as many other associated costs," he added.

The mobile banking vans will offer the same service as any of the NBS branches. According to NBS, this is a leap for financial services as banking would be brought closer to the remote areas.

According to NBS, the mobile banking vans offer financial inclusivity, especially to those living in remote and rural areas.

Meanwhile, there are currently four branches of the NBS across the country, including one in Savaii, Farmer Joe in Vaitele, Matautu and the main branch in Apia.