Refer to: Aneth Lim at 995-9497

One Million Cards and Counting

There's something fascinating about the figure that is 1,000,000.

For Citibank, that number now represents a historic milestone in its local credit cards business. Fifteen years after it began offering credit cards to the Filipino mass market, Citibank marks its one-millionth-card record as it continues to be the preeminent industry leader in providing customers with breakthrough financial products and unparalleled services.

"We are extremely proud and honored with this latest achievement," said Citibank's Country Business Manager for Global Consumer Group Nina Aguas. "This is a clear indication that Citibank is the credit card brand preferred by more Filipinos."

"After issuing one million Citibank credit cards and setting a new industry standard, the challenge before us is to produce another million, and we know this is only possible if we continue to introduce innovative products that meet the changing lifestyles of the Filipino consumers," maintained Michellina Triwardhany, Citibank's Cards Business Director.

The Road to One Million

Citibank and the local credit card industry have come a long way from the launching of Citibank MasterCard back in 1990. Back then, credit cards were confined to the upscale market. "We changed the credit card landscape and leveled the playing field," recalled Aguas. By lowering income requirements and allowing flexible payment schemes, Citibank empowered working professionals with this plastic currency.

As the years rolled on, Citibank introduced more winning additions into its roster, like the co-branded credit cards Cathay Pacific Visa and Shell Citibank MasterCard. These powerful new cards in turn led the way to new forays in niche marketing with Citibank Visa Platinum, Citibank Clear MasterCard and the Citibank Clear Visa Mini.

Most recently, Citibank redefined the concept of instant rewards through cash rebates with Citibank Cash Back Card and showed that financial convenience and health benefits can come together with the Mercury Drug Citibank Visa.

Side by side the development of card products, Citibank also designs benefits to appeal to a wide range of customers. One of the more popular benefits is the Citibank Rewards program, which gives cardholders the chance to claim gifts, appliances, air miles, shopping and dining certificates or waived annual fees just by using their Citibank credit card for purchases. First offered in 1996, the concept was such a tremendous success that it became the industry benchmark and has since been replicated by other card companies.

Other features of Citibank cards that are embraced by cardholders include the PayLite Installment Plan which offers longer and lighter payment terms, Citibank World Privileges that give Platinum and Gold cardmembers discounts and perks at over 16,000 merchants across 150 countries worldwide, and Citibank 1 Bill, a convenient bill payment facility that allows enrollment of a host of utility bills to the Citibank card so the cardholder only has to remember to pay one bill - that of his Citibank credit card.

To date, Citibank offers a dozen credit card variants, each showcasing a distinct set of innovative features and services, while giving cardholders great value for money.

One Million Thank You

"When we started, we were the lone card company that took a giant leap of faith on the Filipino middle class consumer. Today, the industry has so many players and the market is flooded with a variety of financial products. Yet, Citibank remains a strong leader in large part because of our customers' loyalty," stated Aguas.

And in appreciation, Citibank will say thank you to its cardholders in grand fashion with its "One Million Thanks To You" raffle promotion, wherein 8 million Rewards Points will be raffled off to 15 cardholders. At the grand draw, five lucky customers will walk away with one million Rewards Points each.

From August 1 until October 29, 2005, every P1,000 single transaction using a Citibank MasterCard or Visa, Silver and Gold variants, as well as Citibank Visa Platinum, whether a retail purchase, cash advance, PayLite installment, 1Bill, balance transfer or Call for Cash, will earn one raffle entry.

New approved applications as well as online transactions at www.citibank.com.ph for the qualifying cards also earn raffle chances. To join and qualify, cardholders must register his or her Citibank credit card via text message.

"We want to celebrate our one million milestone with our cardholders and what better way than to give them millions of rewards points to spend as they please," said Aguas. "At Citibank, we always put the customer first, and thankfully, they return the favor. This is as much their achievement as it is ours."