960407

Citibank introduces

photocard service

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Citibank has introduced another product, i.e. Photocard which is available in very few countries in the world. The facility will be provided to Citibank Visa Card members. This was announced by Nadeem Hussain, General Manager of Citibank's Global Consumer Services, at a press conference here on Sunday.

Nadeem Hussain talked about the service culture that permeates all levels of the organisation worldwide, and the multi-million dollar investments that Citibank has made to provide the maximum convenience and service to its customers.

He said that Credit Cards has been one of the bank's greatest success stories and the business has achieved numerous milestones in a very short time. The Photocard is a facility available in very few countries in the world, and Citibank Pakistan's is very proud to be able to offer it to its cardmembers.

Azhar Jaffri, head of Citibank's Credit Card business in Pakistan spoke in detail about the Photocard. He said that it was the most unique card in the world, and offers the cardmember extra recognition, prestige, security, and peace of mind. It was accepted at over 13 million outlets worldwide and at over 7000 in Pakistan. Moreover, the Photocard facility was optional and comes absolutely free of cost to the customer.

He said that this was achieved by employing state-of-the-art technology which electronically scans the cardmembers photograph and signature, stores it in a database, and prints it on the card using the most sophisticated digital imprinting.

He also spoke about the milestones achieved by the Credit Card business since the launch in July 1994. Among these achievements were: the first true Credit Card in Pakistan; fastest amongst Citibank Card Businesses to reach 50,000 cards in Asia-Pacific; dominant market share of over 60 percent; acceptance at over 7000 merchants; unique new marketing techniques like Direct Mail, Take-One and Telemarketing were successfully implemented; employment for over 450 people.

Detailing the method of obtaining the Photocard, Jaffri said that for new applicants, all application forms would carry a special Photocard panel. If the applicants opts for the Photocard, he should fill out the panel, attach a recent colour photo and send it to Citibank. Upon approval, his Photocard would be issued to him. Existing cardmembers would receive a photocard conversion form prior to renewal of their card, which they could fill out, attach a recent colour photograph and send it back to Citibank.

Nadeem Hussain also mentioned Citibank cards future plans at the press conference, which include launching Mastercard, achieving 100,000 cards, achieving acceptance at 10,000 merchants, implementing 72 key service initiatives across Asia-Pacific to enhance customer service and enrich customer experience.