Bangkok: BTS, Aeon join for co-branded card to provide extra services

[webfact]

BTS, Aeon join for co-branded card to provide extra services
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- BTS Group, the largest mass-transit operator in Bangkok, has partnered with leading retail finance company AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) to launch the AEON Rabbit Member Card, a new co-branded card aimed at giving cardholders additional financial services, quick access to mass transportation and easy payment channels at various retail outlets.

The companies said the card would be launched on February 16th and result in both entities expanding their services and becoming part of the "modern lifestyle by bringing convenience and security to the daily activities of the cardholder".

They said the additional financial sources afforded cardholders included personal loans and instalment loans for procuring consumer items.

Cardholders would be able to make loan-instalment payments at any of AEON's 16,000 member stores nationwide, or make cash withdrawals at 34,000 ATMs across the country.

AEON and the BTS Group expect to issue more than 700,000 cards.

"Our subsidiary, Bangkok Smartcard System Company Ltd, or BSS, the only e-money service provider for BTS and retail partners in the name of Rabbit, has already issued over 3.5 million Rabbit and counting," said Surapong Laoha-Unya, executive director of the BTS Group.

"We are expanding our customer base through a partnership with leaders in the business sector. As AEON is one of the leading retail financial service providers and has a great customer base, we are pleased to have AEON joining us in issuing [the card]."

He said the card would provide a synergy for both companies, while the benefits for cardholders included a Bt4 discount on the weekend.

They would also be provided with many offers from participating retail partners, such as a 10-per-cent discount at McDonald's.

The BTS Group and AEON were committed to improving and expanding their service with transportation and payment solutions, Surapong said.

Yasuhiko Kondo, AEON managing director, described it as a "groundbreaking partnership for AEON" as it was the first time it had teamed with a mass-transportation company.

"We believe that this card will bring many benefits to commuters that frequently use the BTS Skytrain and young urbanites trying to properly manage their busy lifestyle," he said.

Yasuhiko said the aim was to reach a large number of regular commuters looking for promptness in daily activities such as travelling and managing finances.

He said the partnership would strengthen both companies so they can better meet and serve the increasing demands of their customers."

Other privileges include half-price movie tickets at Major Cineplex theatres, a free second hour at Major Bowl Hit, Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl and Sub Zero Ice Skate Club.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/BTS-Aeon-join-for-co-branded-card-to-provide-extra-30253255.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-03

[Nemesis7]

Can a Tourist apply? Just curious.....