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Barclays unveils its Platinum credit card

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Announcement Banking

'Platinum Privileges for unforgettable experiences; "Platinum Pleasures' because your time is precious & 'Platinum Prize Rewards' an industry first

Today, Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Bank (GRCB) India, unveiled an exclusive offering from its Barclaycard division, the Platinum Credit Card. This premier international lifestyle card comes with special luxury offerings across travel, hospitality, world class brands, adventure sports and an enriching rewards programme. Privileged cardholders will get more as they spend at every step which is an unmatched proposition both in terms of benefits and experience for these customers.

Globally, Barclaycard, a division of Barclays GRCB, is a leading global payment business which understands the needs of both purchasers and sellers. It enables retailers and merchants to accept cards, helps customers make payments as well as extends credit to consumers. Today, Barclaycard has over 10 million retail customers in the UK and now a rapidly expanding global cards and lending business with 8.8m cards in issue outside of the UK and operations in over fifty countries and four continents.

 

Speaking about the new offering, Ram Gopal, Interim Managing Director, India, Barclays GRCB said, ‘‘At Barclays, the customer is at the forefront of everything we do. Globally, our Barclaycard Platinum offering has attracted customers who enjoy the finest things in life. We expect this to be true in India as well with today’s discerning Indian customer demanding nothing but the best. It is this very same level of sophistication that we seek to provide customers with this offering. Barclays is committed to meeting and exceeding the expectations of customers around the country and the geographies within which it operates.”

As first impressions are critical, this card presents a host of ‘Platinum Privileges Welcome’ offerings which are unmatched. Starting with a classic Emporio Armani watch and cufflinks, there are a host of offerings like complimentary golf packages at two renowned golf courses in India and six golf courses internationally and access to golf courses at fabulous rates for both avid golfers and aspirants. Art connoisseurs can enjoy a complete ‘Art Solution’ programme with an original reprint from a noted senior artist. Finally, for the adventure sports enthusiasts, the package includes scuba diving advisory, a special initiative with Barracuda Diving India, offering a full range of PADI certification dive courses

To enjoy those special occasions in life and an ultimate fine dining experience, Barclaycard Platinum has partnered with one of the most elite hotel brands – ITC WelcomGroup – 5 Star Luxury Hotels in India to offer ‘Platinum Pleasures Celebrations’ – for those special moments.

Through ‘Platinum Pleasures Concierge’ cardholders have access to a dedicated team of personal assistants, who work round-the-clock to fulfil your request within no time.. From a table reservation at some of the finest restaurants to a limousine at your door steps, your personal service is just a phone call away.

The exclusive ‘Platinum Prize Rewards’ incentive programme promises the customer value with each card transaction. This incentive programme goes further than the existing rewards programmes and not only rewards customers for each purchase but presents customers with attractive gifts as the customer reaches predetermined spend milestones. The customer gets “more” than just rewards as he uses his Barclaycard Platinum. These gifts are ranging from dinners, gifts from premium Lifestyle Brands to weekend getaways as milestone spends are achieved.

“The Barclaycard Platinum complements our existing suite of card offerings in the country. We are sure that customers will not only find the offering convenient and rewarding, but also unique in an already crowded space. The Barclaycard Platinum has been created to give our customers an experience which is truly relevant to their needs and aspirations. The card’s distinctive features and attractive benefits will help us build and nurture long lasting relationships with our existing and potential customer base,” added Ram Gopal.

The privileged cardholders can now be a part of the Barclays Premier Banking experience which is free for the first three months. This will include financial advisory services through a personalized relationship manager, special pricing for e-filing tax returns and other select add–on services. The card is powered by Visa.

Barclays GRCB business has built a strong franchise in India over the past two and a half years with over 900,000 clients and customers. Barclays continues to be committed to India through its six Barclays entities including Global Retail and Commercial Banking, Barclays Capital, Barclays Wealth and specialist technology and BPO centres of excellence. India is one of the leading markets for Barclays Bank Plc.

About Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking (GRCB):
Barclays Global Retail and Commercial Banking (GRCB) encompasses all of Barclays retail and commercial banking businesses around the world. Operating in 28 countries, Barclays GRCB comprises UK Retail Banking, Barclays Commercial Bank, Barclaycard, GRCB Western Europe, GRCB Emerging Markets and GRCB Absa (Barclays Bank PLC owns 58.8% of Absa Group Limited). Barclays GRCB serves 49 million customers and clients around the globe through a network of more than 4,800 distribution points.

To find out more about the individual Barclays GRCB businesses, please visit our website ww.barclays.com

About Barclays:
Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services, with an extensive international presence in Europe, the USA, Africa and Asia.

With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs over 140,000 people.

Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for over 49 million customers and clients worldwide.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website www.barclays.com

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First Published: Aug 05 2009 | 7:31 PM IST

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