BarclaysBarclays launches first British Airways co-branded credit card

BarclaysBarclays

MasterCardMasterCard

MasterCardMasterCard

Aimed at frequent travellers, the British Airways Barclaycard is the result of a unique partnership between BarclaysBarclays, British Airways and MasterCardMasterCard, offering exclusive in-the-air and on-the-ground travel perks.

"BarclaysBarclays undertook extensive consumer research before launching this product, with results showcasing that the majority of credit card users are looking for a card that combines great on-the-ground privileges along with reward miles," said Michael Miebach, Managing Director of Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Middle East and North Africa (MENA). "We firmly believe that the new British Airways Barclaycard offers customers unparalleled rewards, getting them set and on their way to their next holiday faster."

Miebach also explained that, as one of the leading airlines in the world, partnering with British Airways was an obvious choice for BarclaysBarclays when deciding to launch an airline-linked credit card.

"British Airways' reputation for excellent service, coupled with their extensive route network, is paramount to the success of the British Airways Barclaycard. In addition, MasterCardMasterCard's global payment network guarantees that the card can be used anywhere at any time. We are delighted to have both British Airways and MasterCardMasterCard on board and anticipate that the British Airways Barclaycard will achieve significant results for all parties."

Shaun Davis, British Airways' Executive Club Director, Asia & the Pacific, added: "We are extremely pleased to be partnering with BarclaysBarclays and MasterCardMasterCard to offer our existing Executive Club members the opportunity to earn extra BA Miles, as well as expand the benefits that British Airways' Executive Club offers to a wider group of customers in the UAE."

Denzil Lawson, General Manager, Middle East & Levant, MasterCardMasterCard Worldwide, said: "MasterCardMasterCard is a critical link for businesses and cardholders worldwide and this collaboration with BarclaysBarclays and British Airways is an example of how MasterCardMasterCard works with businesses to develop secure, convenient and rewarding payment solutions that add real value for cardholders. MasterCardMasterCard is thrilled to offer cardholders innovative programs that combine various travel benefits with the convenience of using a MasterCard credit card. We look forward to continue to develop timely, meaningful travel benefits for MasterCardMasterCard cardholders."

Based on Barclaycard's principle of offering customers the choice, there will be two variants of the British Airways Barclaycard - Priority and Prestige - depending on the customer's travel and value needs. The cards offer varying benefits, although both allow cardholders to accumulate BA Miles each time they use the card.

Customers using the Priority card will receive 0.75 BA Miles for each $1.25 USD spent, with Prestige cardholders receiving 1 BA Mile for each $1.5 USD.

The British Airways Barclaycard Priority and Prestige bundle is available to approved customers earning over AED 5,000 and AED 12,000 per month respectively. The Priority British Airways Barclaycard rewards customers with 5,000 BA Miles for card activation, with the Prestige British Airways Barclaycard awarding 10,000 BA Miles. Cardholders who utilise their card within the first three months to purchase a flight on ba.com will also receive an incredible 20,000 bonus miles, subject to terms and conditions.

British Airways Barclaycard users will benefit from membership of the British Airways Executive Club. Members of the Executive Club can earn a world of travel benefits such as free flights, the opportunity to use miles to upgrade to the next cabin, and airport lounge access. BA Miles can be redeemed for reward flights on any of British Airways 145 destinations worldwide, or more than 600 destinations through the oneworld alliance.

On the ground, British Airways Barclaycard users can enjoy an array of benefits including: one complimentary chauffer every month; a dedicated Barclaycard Butler service offering high-end concierge services; four complimentary valet parking services across the UAE; and access to over 500 VIP lounges in more than 90 countries and 275 cities worldwide (regardless of travel class). In addition, Prestige British Airways Barclaycard customers will be awarded with one complimentary visit to the Priority Pass lounge per month and Priority customers will receive six complimentary visits per year.

Customers can apply for the British Airways Barclaycard by calling 800 BARCLAYS or visiting a BarclaysBarclays Branch.

-Ends-

About Barclays
BarclaysBarclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services, with an extensive international presence in Europe, the USA, Africa and Asia.

With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, BarclaysBarclays operates in over 50 countries and employs 150,000 people. BarclaysBarclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for over 42 million customers and clients worldwide.

BarclaysBarclays has been a member of the UAE business community for more than 30 years, and services its clients through a network of 44 ATMs and 4 distribution points. It continues to invest heavily in the region and to expand the range of services offered to customers.

To find out more about BarclaysBarclays Bank and its products and services, please visit our website www.barclays.com

About British Airways
British Airways is one of the world's largest international airlines carrying approximately 36 million passengers around the world every year. The airline has operated flights to the Middle East for more than 75 years.

This year (2008), British Airways was awarded best transatlantic and best business class airline by frequent travellers from across the world at the Official Airline Guide (OAG) Airline of the Year Awards.

British Airways operates 28 weekly flights from the UAE to London Heathrow's new Terminal 5; a daily flight from Abu Dhabi and three daily flights from Dubai.

For further information on British Airways visit ba.com

About MasterCardMasterCard Worldwide
MasterCardMasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCardMasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 18 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCardMasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com.

For more information please contact:
For Barclays
Umayma Abubakar
Head of Corporate Affairs
BarclaysBarclays Bank Plc, UAE
Tel: 009714 3626740 (Direct)
Fax: 009714 3905019
Cell: 00971 50 6510852
Email: Umayma.Abubakar@barclays.com

For British Airways
Euan Megson
MCS Action
Tel: +971 4 3902960
Fax: +971 4 3908161
Cell: +971 50 2455902
Email: euan.m@actionprgroup.com

For MasterCard
Hamdi Derkawi
GolinHarris
Tel: +971 4 332 3308
Mobile: + 971 50 880 8691
Email: hderkawi@golinharris.com

© Press Release 2008

 

Community Comments (0) - Comment on this article

The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect Zawya. Read our Comment Policy.

 

 

 

close x

Loading ...

 

close x

Report Abuse

Loading ...

 

 

close x

Loading ...