Barclays and British Airways together launched airline - linked credit card

Barclays bank in partnership with British Airways (BA) earlier this week launched the British Airways Barclaycard in collaboration with MasterCard Worldwide. The new card will be acceptable across the MasterCard global network with 27.3 million acceptance locations around the world, which include more than 1.9 million ATM locations worldwide. The card has been designed for the frequent travelers. The British Airways Barclaycard is the end result of a unique partnership between Barclays, British Airways and MasterCard, under which an exclusive offer in-the-air and on-the-ground travel perks, is being given.

Michael Miebach, Managing Director, Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) said, “Barclays 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. 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. As one of the leading airlines in the world, partnering with British Airways was an obvious choice for Barclays when deciding to launch an airline-linked credit card.”

He further added that British Airways' has a reputation for providing excellent service, together with their extensive route network, is best for the success of the British Airways Barclaycard. Besides, MasterCard's global payment network guarantees that the card can be used anywhere at any time. “We are delighted to have both British Airways and MasterCard on board and anticipate that the British Airways Barclaycard will achieve significant results for all parties,” said Miebach.

Barclay bank has been giving choice to its customers therefore there will be two variants of the British Airways Barclaycard being offered - Priority and Prestige - depending on the customer's travel and value needs. Varied benefits are being offered under the cards although on both the cards the customers will be able to accumulate BA Miles each time they use the card. On Priority card customers will get 0.75 BA Miles for each USD 1.25 spent, with Prestige cardholders receiving one BA Mile for each USD 1.5.

The British Airways Barclaycard Priority and Prestige package is being offered to the approved customers earning over Dirham 5,000 and Dirham 12,000 per month respectively. Under the Priority British Airways Barclaycard customers are being rewarded with 5,000 BA Miles for card activation, while under the Prestige British Airways Barclaycard the customers are being awarded 10,000 BA Miles. There is one more benefit for the cardholders who utilize their card within the first three months to purchase a flight ticket on ba.com will also receive an unbelievable 20,000 bonus miles, subject to terms and conditions.

British Airways Barclaycard users will also get the benefit from membership of the British Airways Executive Club. Members of the Executive Club will be able to 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. Cardholders can redeemed BA Miles for reward flights on any of British Airways 145 destinations worldwide, or more than 600 destinations through the one world alliance.

Shaun Davis, Executive Club Director, Asia and Pacific, British Airways said, “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Barclays and MasterCard 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.”

While on the ground services the British Airways Barclaycard users will be able to 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). Besides, Prestige British Airways Barclaycard customers will also 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 Barclays Branch.

HSBC signs Visa its brand partner for new consumer debit cards

HSBC the global banker launched debit cards for new consumer for which it has selected Visa as its brand partner. The bank will issue debit cards in about 20 countries, including India.

In a statement issued Visa President Hans Morris stated, "This deal expands the relationship between two global leaders, HSBC and Visa, in some of the fastest-growing areas in the world".

The statement also stated that the five-year regional agreement between HSBC and Visa is aimed at expansion of HSBC's current credit card issuing relationship with Visa.

After the signing up of an agreement, the bank in association with Visa will be providing debit products to new and existing customers across 20 countries including India.

According to release at present, there are approximately 847 million Visa Inc. debit cards globally; representing more than 2.1 trillion dollars in total volume till June 30 this year.

Visa is world's largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and payment product platforms, including consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments. HSBC Asia Pacific is the founder and a principal member of the HSBC Group carrying out operations in more than 9,500 offices in 85 countries and territories.

ICICI Bank, BA in collaboration launched co-branded credit card

ICICI Bank country’s largest private sector lender in collaboration with British Airways launched a co-branded credit card called ICICI Bank British Airways American Express Credit Card. In a press released by the bank it was stated that the card will provide one of the fastest ways to earn complimentary flights on being used in India.

The release also stated that the card also offers complimentary membership to the British Airways Executive Club and attractive BA miles which can be earned on everyday spending, as well as the card will give new and existing members an opportunity to accelerate these earnings.

ICICI Bank's Head (Cards Product Group) Sachin Khandelwal said: "ICICI Bank is committed to offering its cardholders value and privileges that are the best in the industry... this strategic partnership with British Airways will introduce cardholders to a superior flying experience with the airline as well as enjoying the benefits of the one world alliance."