BANCPOST AND AMERICAN EXPRESS ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF THE FIRST AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS ISSUED IN ROMANIA
Innovative cards are designed to meet the Financial and Lifestyle Needs of Romanian Consumers
BUCHAREST, November 17, 2005 -- Bancpost and American Express today announced the launch of the first American Express credit cards issued in Romania. The Bancpost American Express Green and American Express Gold Credit Cards offer unique benefits for the Romanian consumer.
"Today, Bancpost is introducing the most premium financial brand to the Romanian market and raising the standard of financial services offered. We believe that the American Express Green and Gold credit cards that we are launching today are two of the best credit card products on the market. They offer a unique package of benefits in order to meet the needs of today's consumers who appreciate innovation, service and style, but always in combination with value for money,” said Philippos Karamanolis, Head of Consumer Lending, Bancpost.
Due to their high credit limit, the new cards can empower the financial and lifestyle needs of Romanian consumers. The Bancpost American Express Green and Gold Credit Cards are a flexible payment tool that provides an extended grace period and allows Cardmembers to choose to pay their bills in full or over time, whatever they want.
In addition, these cards come with a unique range of benefits and services to meet the needs of Romanian consumers including:
- World-class service. Cardmembers will have access to worldwide service at any one of American Express' 2200 Travel Service or Representative Offices and emergency card replacement, anywhere in the world providing Cardmembers with a home away from home.
- Unique travel benefits such as a special travel service offering Cardmembers the ability to book all their travel needs, preferential prices for their holidays and comprehensive travel insurance.
- Security. When shopping in Romania the unique Purchase Protection Program covers Cardmembers for stolen or damaged goods for 30 days after purchase.
- Everyday offers. The Selects offer programme provides Cardmembers with access to more than 50 special offers from merchants in Romania and over 1000 offers from merchants around the world in categories such as restaurants, hotels, clothing and more.
“The partnership signed with American Express, through which Bancpost becomes the exclusive local issuer of these credit cards, helps us strengthen our position in the Romanian credit card market. I am convinced that Romanian consumers will appreciate all the advantages offered by American Express cards which they will use as their favourite instrument in "transactions,” said Georgios Michelis, General Manager, Bancpost.
“Bancpost is an outstanding partner to represent the American Express brand in Romania, which is one of the most dynamic markets in Southern Europe and represents an exciting opportunity for American Express,” said William Stredwick, Vice President and General Manager, American Express. “These credit cards will open a door of opportunity for Romanian consumers by meeting their individual financial, lifestyle and travel needs, providing access to unique benefits and services that only the Bancpost American Express Credit Cards can offer.”
Some of the key benefits of the American Express Green Card are:
- Financial flexibility -- up to 55-day grace period
- Ability to pay balances in full or over time, you choose, with only 3% minimum payment each month
- Purchase protection, covering stolen or damaged goods for 30 days after purchase
- Over 50 offers in Romania ranging from shopping and dining to health and leisure
- Emergency card replacement usually within 24 hours virtually anywhere you are in the world
Some of the key benefits of the American Express Gold Card are:
- Highest Credit Limits in the market, you can buy almost anything you want
- Travel Inconvenience, if your luggage is lost or stolen have a new suit on us
- Over 1000 offers in key cities around the world
- Gold Travel Service providing Cardmembers with special travel offers and discounts of up to 60% at hotels world wide along with very comprehensive travel insurance
- World wide service, with Global Assist if you are abroad and need help finding a doctor or a lawyer call us
Bancpost is one of the first banks that introduced credit cards to the market and is now one of the leading banks in Romania, with almost 1.5 million cards in circulation. Bancpost currently holds over 22% of the local card market.
Additionally, Bancpost has a large network of 150 branches all over the country, making it easily accessible to customers.
Established in 1850, American Express Company offers a wide range of high quality financial services. American Express is a world leader in the field of credit cards, traveller's cheques, financial and tour planning, business services, insurance and international banking services.
Globally, American Express is expanding its issuing bank network. The company partners with premium financial institutions across the world and has signed 90 partnerships with select issuing banks in more than 100 countries.
As the exclusive issuer for American Express cards in Romania, Bancpost will provide its clients access to the outstanding benefits and services that are available to the nearly 70 million American Express Cardmembers worldwide.
