(Left to right) Visa’s Rahul Joshi and P J Hill with Ahlibank’s Hassan Alfrangi and Andrew McKechnie during the launch of ‘Ahlibank Visa Signature’ credit card

 

Ahlibank Qatar (ABQ) has launched ‘Ahlibank Visa Signature’ credit card, designed to provide a host of benefits and rewards for its customers.

The launch of the new credit card is the first in a series of new products to be rolled out by ABQ over the next 12 months as the bank looks to provide a more personal experience to its customers.

The launch of the card comes closely after the bank’s new brand, logo and corporate identity were unveiled last month.

Aimed at more affluent customers and frequent travellers, the Visa Signature credit card offers free access to more than 700 airport lounges across the world, a concierge service with dedicated phone lines seven days a week and a  higher loyalty points earn rate of one Pearl Points per QR3 spent. It also offers no foreign exchange mark up on overseas transactions.

ABQ head (Retail Banking) Andrew McKechnie said that the card launch would provide a “compelling alternative” for the customer who travels frequently.

“One of the things our customers are telling us is that their time is precious, and they need services that fit their lifestyles,” said McKechnie.

“Our aim with the new Visa Signature credit card is to provide an inspirational package of benefits to ensure cardholders get nothing but the best wherever and whenever they go.”

These benefits include an annual fee waiver, if the customer spends more than QR50,000 annually; free visa travel insurance with coverage up to $500,000 ; global customer assistance service (GCAS); and a range of other privileges including access to a collection of luxury hotels.

McKechnie said, “The decision to impose no foreign exchange mark up on overseas transactions was part of ABQ’s commitment to transparency in its fee structuring. Being open and transparent is important to us, and we want our customers to see that banking can be simple and effective while meeting their specific personal needs”

New customers will be able to apply for the Visa Signature credit card through any of ABQ’s 16 branches. Existing credit card customers will only have to complete an upgrade form at their nearest branch.

P J Hill, head (Products) at Visa, Middle East and North Africa said, “Visa is proud to partner with Ahlibank to deliver a superior premium product to its customers. The Ahlibank Visa Signature credit card is well suited for the affluent segment in Qatar and offers cardholders exclusive rewards and enriches their overall travel experience. Visa is excited to support ABQ’s plans to offer superior products and value to their high net worth clients who can enjoy the practical, safe and convenient purchasing experience that all Visa products offer.”

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