BNP Paribas platinum mastercard credit card offers exclusive benefits

Cairo,3, August, 2010 - BNP Paribas announced today the launch of its Platinum MasterCard credit card.

BNP Paribas Platinum MasterCard credit card is an exceptional credit card as it provides an advanced contactless card program known as MasterCard PayPass, With this card, cardholders can simply 'tap and go' to pay for their purchases wherever MasterCard PayPass is accepted, eliminating the need to swipe the card and sign to complete the purchase.

MasterCard PayPass is an innovative and internationally recognized contactless payment technology useful especially in outlets where speed is of the essence. Cardholders will only have to tap their card in front of a specially equipped POS machine to make payments of less than a specified value with their cards. As of Q1 2010, there are nearly 75 million MasterCard PayPass cards and devices that have been issued for use at approximately 230,000 MasterCard PayPass merchant locations worldwide, including football and baseball stadiums, theatres, fast food restaurants and taxis. MasterCard PayPass offers cardholders a safe, convenient, quick and contactless way to make their payments.

The BNP Paribas Platinum MasterCard credit card is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity as it offers a world of benefits and privileges designed to suit the A class clients needs. The main aim to launch this card program was to provide cardholders with an easy, fast and safe payment mode in Egypt and while traveling abroad. It will also bring cardholders unparalleled convenience, at 30.2 million in-store and ATM acceptance locations worldwide.

Commenting on the newly launched platinum credit card, Mrs. Maha El-Sayed, Head of Retail Banking - BNP Paribas Egypt stated: "Today customers are becoming more sophisticated and more technology oriented which requires efficiency on all service levels.  We at BNP Paribas are keen on meeting the clients growing demands to provide the most advanced solutions and services that would facilitate their lifestyles and meet their daily demands. The Card is an exclusive product tailor-made with the most advanced technology and innovative solutions".

Magdy Hassan, vice president, and country manager, Egypt, MasterCard Worldwide, said; "Armed with the MasterCard PayPass functionality, BNP Paribas Platinum MasterCard cardholders will stand to benefit from making contactless payments when traveling overseas.This advanced payment option brings for consumers a fast, convenient and secure alternative to paper-based payments at quick-pay environments. We congratulate BNP Paribas on introducing this innovative payment mode to Egyptian consumers."  

The BNP Paribas Platinum MasterCard credit card was specially developed to provide cardholders seeking exclusivity, unique experiences and convenience. Cardholders  using BNP Paribas Platinum MasterCard credit card will have access to a bouquet of services that includes; access to a free of charge 24/7 emergency call center, emergency cash advance delivered anywhere in the world, emergency card replacement in case the card is lost or stolen, in which a replacement card will be delivered anywhere globally. In addition, cardholders will also receive complimentary access to VIP lounges at Cairo international airport and the Marhaba Lounge at Dubai International Airport.

BNP Paribas has also added a host of additional privileges including; free insurance, instant SMS notifications, 57 days grace period and the reward points program providing 1 point for every EGP 1 spent by the card where the accumulated points can be redeemed for cash, which is credited to the cardholders account.

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About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is one of the 6 strongest banks in the world according to Standard & Poor's and the largest bank in the eurozone by deposits. With a presence in more than 80 countries and more than 200,000 employees, including 160,000 in Europe, BNP Paribas is a leading European provider of financial services on a worldwide scale. It ranks highly in its three core activities: Retail Banking, Investment Solutions and Corporate & Investment Banking.

As for BNP Paribas Egypt it demonstrated remarkable growth on all fronts since its establishment. The bank is the first in Egypt certified with ISO 2008-9001 for International Trade Finance.

It is currently operating with more than 1400 employees and through 56 branches with wide geographic coverage in Egypt including major districts and cities such as Cairo, Giza, North Coast & Delta, Upper Egypt, Sinai and the Red Sea.  

For further information please contact:
Salah El Din Aloui
Media Relations Manager
Promoseven Weber Shandwick
Tel: +2 02 3047215 - 17
Fax: +2 02 3047213
Mob: +2 012 39 79 586
E-Mail: salah@promoseven.com   

Yasmine M.Tammam
Senior Media Relations Executive
Promoseven Weber Shandwick
Tel: +2 02 3047215 - 17
Fax: +2 02 3047213
Mob: +2 0101040529
E-mail: Yasmine.tammam@promoseven.com

© Press Release 2010