World's leading service brands launch co-branded credit cards

CEBU, Philippines – Three of the world’s leading customer service brands recently launched new co-branded credit cards that offer the best Asia Miles earn rate in the country.

Banco de Oro Unibank Inc., one of the leading financial institutions in the Philippines, American Express, a recognized global leader in travel and payment services, and Cathay Pacific Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines, introduced the Cathay Pacific Elite Credit Card and the Cathay Pacific American Express Credit Card. These credit cards are tailor-made for travelers and members of The Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles.

Asia Miles is a travel reward program with more than 300 partners worldwide in nine partner categories including airlines, finance and insurance, hotels, telecoms, cars and transport, retail, dining, travel and leisure, as well as professional services.

Rolando C. Tanchanco, executive vice president and head of BDO’s Consumer Lending Group said the partnership with Cathay Pacific and American Express is BDO’s way of extending their leadership in the credit card industry.

“As the number one bank in the Philippines, BDO continues to find ways to extend our leadership in the credit card industry. And by way of stabilizing our claim as industry leader, we are adding a specialized credit card catering to discerning cardmembers,” he added.

Tanchanco explained that the new credit cards are the only cards in the country that rewards card holders with instant Asia Miles on all purchases, complimentary Green Tier membership to Marco Polo Club, Asia Miles discounts, and travel insurance coverage.

The co-branded credit cards also strengthens American Express’ leadership position in the travel segment, said Katrina Stuart, vice president and group general manager of American Express’ Global Network Services, Japan, Asia Pacific and Australia. “This also reaffirms our commitment to increasing our brand presence in the Philippines,” she added.

Cathay Pacific Loyalty Programs general manager Paul Loo, meanwhile, said the new credit cards is the airline’s way of supporting and providing more services to their frequent travelers. “American Express, BDO and Cathay Pacific are leaders in our own industries, and we believe that by joining forces, we are creating the most attractive credit card offer in the Philippine travel market,” he added.

Holders of the Cathay Pacific American Express Elite Credit Card will get 3,000 bonus Asia Miles with their first purchase and will earn one Asia Mile for every P38 spent on their card while holders of the Cathay Pacific American Express Credit Card will get 1,500 bonus Asia Miles on their first purchase and earn one Asia Mile for every P42 spent on their credit card.

The annual membership fee is waived during the first year for both credit cards and holders of the Cathay Pacific American Express card who spend P250,000 per annum or Elite cardholders who spend P500,000 per annum will get to have their annual fee waived, as well. — Quennie S. Bronce