Bank Audi Syria launches first international credit card in Syria

The launch was announced during a press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel, in presence of Mr. Naser Abu Ghazaleh, Regional Manager of Visa International in the Levant.

Mr. Bassel Hamwi, Deputy Chairman and General Manager of Bank Audi Syria, stated:

"Today, Bank Audi Syria has taken a new step towards offering premium products to all segments of the Syrian society, especially since the Syrian card market has still not reached its full potential. Besides, there is an urgent need for modern and international payment methods which confer their holders purchasing power, security, and flexibility, whether in Syria or abroad."

Hamwi added that "Bank Audi Syria has implemented a strategic plan focusing on the electronic cards and services market in Syria, and aiming at strengthening its position as one of the most innovative banks with regards to the issuance of credit cards and the delivery of electronic services. This is why we will soon issue a wide array of cards, including direct debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid cards, which target all society segments and meet all customers' needs."

As for Mr. Naser Abu Ghazaleh, he commented: "It gives us great pleasure to witness the rising success and developments of the products that Bank Audi Syria is providing. The Syrian market is a very promising one, for although it is relatively new to the electronic payment system, its people have shown solid strides towards adopting cashless payment methods for the day to day purchases they make. Being among the market leaders in the credit card sector in Lebanon, I am confident that Bank Audi will be passing on its expertise in a way that will inevitably raise the bar for the Syrian banking sector at large. We would like to congratulate Bank Audi on this new card launch."

Mrs. Randa Bdeir, Head of Electronic Banking and Business Development at Bank Audi sal - Audi Saradar Group, seized the occasion to shed the light on the characteristics and benefits of the card, underlining that "the Visa Gold card from Bank Audi Syria has particular features which make it an exceptional card with regards to services and benefits offered to customers, namely purchasing power, flexibility, security, electronic services, and additional features offered to customers for the first time in Syria."

The card's most important quality is that it is accepted worldwide at the largest commercial networks, including hotels, shopping centers and malls, restaurants, gas stations, etc. Furthermore, it can be used to withdraw cash from over 900,000 ATMs worldwide, and offers its holders special treatment and many privileges at a large number of service companies. These include a free IAPA membership which offers Visa Gold cardholders up to 50% discounts at more than 20,000 hotels worldwide, and up to 30% discounts at car rental companies worldwide, in addition to a free membership in the Priority Pass program which gives cardholders access to VIP lounges in over 500 airports, regardless of the plane ticket class.

Visa Gold cardholders also receive extra benefits, such as the E-Services program, a fast and secure way to stay in touch with their credit card activities, via e-statements and SMS alerts, and insurance programs among which a travel accident and medical emergency insurance up to $100,000 and a purchase protection insurance up to $ 1,500.

Moreover, the card offers its holders unparalleled payment flexibility, allowing them to settle their bills through monthly payments which suit their income (10% of their monthly bills), or in full, at 0% interest.

Today, Bank Audi Syria has marked its leadership in introducing new banking services to the Syrian credit card market. Such services are based on innovation and meet both customers' needs and the permanent progress witnessed by the banking industry. Bank Audi Syria seeks to strengthen its strategic cooperation with Visa International, as well as with main companies and economic institutions in Syria, with a view to launching other new products and services in the credit card field.