ArmInfo. As a result of cooperation between ACBA-Credit Agricole and the leading Japanese company JCB Co. International, a card issuer, it became possible to service Japanese JCB cards in Armenia. This was reported by the Bank's press service.
"We are pleased that as a result of the cooperation, ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank began servicing JCB cards in Armenia. In order to be able to accept JCB cards, we have already upgraded the functionality of our ATM network. Moreover, affiliate trading points will be able to receive JCB cards via POS-terminals installed at their premises. I am confident that our cooperation will become a new link for the development of tourism in Armenia, since tourists who visit Armenia will be able to make transactions at commercial points without additional payments and receive cash through the network of ATMs and branches of the Bank, "said the Chief Executive Officer Bank ACBA- Credit Agricole Hakob Andreasyan.
In turn, the vice president of JCB Co. International Yuchiro Kadavaki noted that cooperation with one of the lending banks of Armenia is an important step in expanding JCB's presence in the CIS market. "This is an important moment for JCB cardholders around the world, especially Russia, as Armenia is one of the main business partners and tourist destinations for Russian citizens. In addition, last year Armenia established a free visa regime for Japanese tourists, which, I believe, will entail an increase in the tourist flow from Japan in the future. The maintenance of JCB cards in Armenia will bring more benefits and convenience to all our cardholders, "he concluded.
According to the source, the international largest payment brand JCB has over 117 million cardholders in 24 countries. JCB cards are accepted in the order of 30 million payment points.
The video is available at: https://www.dropbox.com/317ab1e4-ba57-4b44-9265- dd1e411b2cc2 According to the issue # 17 of the analytical review "Armenian Banks in the Card Business", prepared by IC ArmInfo, ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank is among the top three in the total number of active cards - about 209 thousand units. on April 1, 2018. The bank holds the position in TOP-3 and by the total volume of plastic transactions - 223.8 bln drams for 2017, and among the three leaders the bank also figures by the volume of ATM transactions - 175.7bln AMD for 2017. According to the number of ATMs and own POS- terminals, the Bank holds the championship - 178 pcs. and 1680 pcs. respectively. But taking into account the joint ATM project with the VTB Bank (Armenia) and Ardshinbank, ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank is leading, as the total number of ATMs of three banks as of April 1, 2018 reaches 491, out of which 250 are installed in Yerevan and 241 - in the regions. ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank simultaneously with the issuance and maintenance of local cards ArCa emits and services international Visa and MasterCard. Along with this, ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank is the exclusive partner of American Express in Armenia.
To recall, "ACBA-Credit Agricole Bank" CJSC has been operating in Armenia since 1995. The majority shareholders of the bank are: the largest European banking group Credit Agricole S.A. with a 15.56% interest in the capital, after which SJSC "Sacam International" (a member of Credit Agricole S.A) - 12.44% followed by the size of participation, "ACBA Federation" CJSC - 71%.