American Express Middle East launches Bahrain's first Smart Credit Card

The new Gold Credit Card was designed for people who seek premium lifestyle experiences, exceptional service, peace of mind, and financial flexibility.

The new Gold Credit Card is a Smart Credit Card with an embedded Chip featuring "ID Keeper". ID Keeper is an innovative application on the Card's Chip which allows Cardmembers to securely store their favorite website addresses, personal details, passwords, user names and auto-fill online shopping order forms. This enables Cardmembers to shop online more securely, swiftly and conveniently.

Gold Credit Cardmembers are automatically enrolled in the global award winning Membership Rewards® programme. This loyalty programme enables Cardmembers to accumulate Membership Rewards points through their everyday purchases. The points can be redeemed for free car rental, shopping vouchers, flights, hotel nights, and many other lifestyle rewards. Cardmembers may also donate their points to charity. Membership Rewards points do not expire and there is no limit to point accumulation.

The new Gold Credit Card enables Cardmembers to live out their dreams with its unprecedented lifestyle benefits including Airport Lounge Access whereby Cardmembers and one companion gain complimentary access to airport lounges across the Middle East, regardless of their airline or class of travel, simply by presenting their Gold Credit Card. Plus, the International Airline Programme, whereby Cardmembers receive exclusive airline offers when tickets are purchased with their Gold Credit Card.

The Card also provides Retail Protection Insurance, protecting Cardmembers purchases against theft or accidental damage for up to 90 days and Online Fraud Protection Guarantee, enabling Cardmembers to shop online with complete peace of mind knowing that they are protected from any unauthorized purchases. Whilst online and from any location worldwide, Cardmembers can check their account balance at www.americanexpress.com.bh and even review their Card statements for the previous 12 months via the Online Account Access service.

To add to its numerous privileges, the new Gold Credit Card features Travel Inconvenience and Accident Insurance, worldwide Emergency Assistance, and Express Cash.

The Card is billed in Bahraini Dinars, making it ideal for everyday purchases. Cardmembers enjoy up to 56 days interest free credit and the flexibility to pay their bill over time, with a minimum monthly payment of 5% of the outstanding balance.

Mr. Trevor Stokes, President and CEO, American Express Middle East commented "The launch of the new Gold Credit Card is illustrative of American Express' commitment to bringing the most innovative products to Cardmembers in Bahrain and across the Middle East. Moreover, it supports our Cardmembers' lifestyle aspirations through offering a host of financial, travel and lifestyle related services."

Mr. Paul Saks, American Express Country Manager - Bahrain highlighted "We are excited to offer the Bahrain Community a wide range of innovative Cards each packed with benefits and features meeting their specific needs. The Gold Credit Card is particularly unique because of the Smart Chip - enhancing transactions security; and with the ID Keeper application - providing a convenient way to navigate and shop online."

The new Gold Credit Card is the first American Express Card with a Smart Chip to be launched in the Middle East and North Africa.