Standard Chartered Bank launches international debit card

The card is being issued free of charge to all customers. The international debit card offers unmatched banking freedom and flexibility by allowing customers to access their accounts and withdraw cash through a network of over 810,000 ATMs globally.

In addition to this, the debit card can be used at millions of merchant outlets worldwide, to pay for purchases. The debit card helps control finances because customer spending is limited by the balance of their accounts.

Ray Ferguson, Chief Executive, Standard Chartered UAE, said: "Standard Chartered Bank constantly strives to understand and exceed customer requirements. In this, our global 150th anniversary, it is appropriate that we continue to launch world class products that help define the shape of modern banking."

World-class security is a focus of the card, with an extremely difficult to copy hologram, as well as Visa's highly sophisticated global security features.

Subroto Som, Regional Head of Consumer Banking, Middle East and South Asia, said: "This card gives you the freedom to shop without carrying cash, as well as the freedom to withdraw money whenever you need it. It is a significant step in our consistent drive to enhance banking convenience for our customers in the UAE."

The launch of the card comes soon after the launch of a state-of-the-art UAE Internet banking service, and the launch earlier this year of personalised gold credit cards.

Peter Scriven, General Manager for Visa International in the Middle East, said: "We are very excited that Visa Electron has been chosen as the payment solution for Standard Chartered customers. We are confident that Standard Chartered customers will benefit from the ease, convenience and safety of paying with Visa Electron as a more flexible alternative to cash."