Thursday, June 23 2011 17:41
ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank to issue AmEx cards for a wide stratum of population
ArmInfo. Today ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank held a drawing among its most active holders of American Express plastic cards. According to the results of the drawing, one of them won a tour (air tickets) for two persons to one of European counties at his discretion.
CEO of ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank Stepan Gishyan told journalists that under the given campaign the bank selected the most active holders of AmEx cards in April-May. At the same time, he did not specify the number of emitted AmEx cards, but said that over the past 7 months the bank exceeded the targeted index by 50%. Today the bank issues only the Gold type of AmEx cards, however, Gishyan pointed out when replying to ArmInfo correspondent's question that in 2011 the bank will issue AmEx cards for a wide stratum of population as well.
"The vivid advantage of AmEx in the Armenian market is that 60% of operations with these cards are carried out at the trade points, which stimulates reduction of cash operations", stressed Gishyan. In addition, now such special international card programs as Selects and Membership Rewards are available to the Armenian market. Another advantage of AmEx is provision of a package of insurance services, he added. "It is noteworthy that several medical insurance cases have been compensated for within the frames of AmEx", he said.
Gishyan pointed out that by autumn the bank will work out new card projects within the frames of Visa and MasterCard cards issued by the bank. In particular, in August the bank will issue UEFA Champions League cards with the logo of the Champions League jointly with the MsterCard and European Football Association. The most active holders of these cards will be awarded tickets for the Champions League finals in 2011-2012. Moreover, the bank has recently started issuing Visa cards "Shopping Everywhere", which give an opportunity to do shopping by installments in Armenia and in 190 countries of the world.
To recall, ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank and American Express corporation signed an agreement on cooperation on August 27 2009, under which the bank became the first operator of AmEx cards in Armenia, and since November 2010 it has also started issuing AmEx cards.
To note, the majority shareholders of the bank are Credit Agricole - 16% and SJSC Sacam International - 12,44% (member of Credit Agricole S.A. Group).
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