First Gulf Bank launches women's ultimate financial friend

Launched today at Abu Dhabi's exclusive Paris Gallery, the specially tailored credit card gives women financial freedom plus a unique range of value-added benefits, discounts and offers across a selection of the UAE's top shops and stores. The card also combines the security and convenience that are the hallmark of all Visa products.

Paris Gallery was an obvious choice for the launch of the credit card as they offer a world of luxury beauty products and accessories that hold a special appeal with women.

The card's introduction underlines First Gulf Bank's growing recognition and awareness of the increasing spending power in the ladies handbag. Sanjay Chaturvedi, Head of Credit Cards - Retail Banking Group of First Gulf Bank, said the new 'ladies only' card was introduced to assist financially-independent women take charge of their spending and be handsomely rewarded in the process. Research has shown that this is an underserved niche with well defined requirements.

"First Gulf Bank's promise to our customers is that we will make a positive difference to their financial needs. With this exclusive product for our female clientele we deliver on that pledge."

The bank chose Visa as its partner for the new credit card because of its leading expertise, technology and world-wide acceptance.

Chaturvedi said: "The key differentiator of First Gulf Bank's women's Visa card from other similar products in the market is that our product carries a broader range of benefits tailored specifically to female customers.

"This is a very dynamic credit card. We'll be looking to add more and more benefits and provide value-add discounts and services from popular retail outlets, restaurants and salons.

"Today's UAE banking customers are increasingly sophisticated and selective. A 'one size fits all' strategy is not likely to address the needs of diverse segments, by tailoring products to niche segments of our customer base, we are demonstrating our commitment to delivering products that suit individual customer needs," he added.

Commenting on the launch, Clare Woodcraft from Visa International's corporate communication team said, "First Gulf Bank is to be congratulated for developing a card specifically for this important segment of the UAE population. Visa has a range of products to suit a variety of consumers and these can be tailored further by our member banks to provide a product that fits perfectly with each customer's lifestyle. This will encourage cashless payment which benefits the cardholder, the merchant, the bank and the economy."

"This new product underscores our commitment to providing flexibility and convenience to our UAE customers. Paying with Visa credit cards instead of cash is more secure, and there are 24 million merchants around the world who accepts our cards. First Gulf Bank's partnership with us will allow their cardholders to benefit from the card's world-wide acceptance. In fact, thanks to the world wide acceptance of Visa cards, they can make purchases any place, any time and anywhere."

Among the comprehensive package of benefits offered to holders of the new women-only cards are:
• Increased spending limits over other cards
• 24 hour Auto Assistance across the UAE and Oman in case of a car break down.
• Easy Insure - a convenient way of paying for all new motor, medical and other insurance policies at 0 per cent interest in 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly instalments.
• Balance transfers at an incredibly competitive rate
• Flexible bill repayments at 72 credit card bill payment locations

Cardholders will also benefit from First Rewards, First Gulf Bank's rewards incentive scheme through which they can redeem points accumulated on purchases at popular partner outlets and shopping malls in the UAE, including Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall, Deira City Centre and many more.