In digital era, banks are coming with cards which is easying the lifestyle of people, writes Muhammad Towhid

In the world of endless digitization, there are innovations in technology every day. ATM cards, smart cards, credit cards and debit cards are changing the lifestyle of the people. These cards come up with newer services to ease the lives of the users. Just a few days ago, Mastercard partnered with Shwapno and EBL to launch the first co-branded

titanium grocery credit card in Bangladesh. Mastercard continues to diversify its product portfolio and introduce newer cards with distinct facilities to its roster, with a view to encourage more people adopt digital payments. The country manager of Mastercard, Syed Mohammad Kamal says “The Mastercard Titanium Credit card launched for Shwapno in partnership with EBL, brings together the

most attractive offers in Bangladesh right now, and seeks to make transactions simpler and faster for shoppers. The idea is to enable consumers with wider choices and enhance the shopping experience altogether.” The card comes with a number of exciting features. The cardholders are eligible to 2.5% cash voucher on monthly shopping. Additionally, cardholders will get Shwapno loyalty points which can be redeemed at any Shwapno outlet as well. As Mastercard is partnering with different brands, it is becoming easier for the customers to operate in a much broader market with easier accessibility. Ali Reza Iftekhar, Managing Director of Eastern Bank Limited welcomes this partnership with Mastercard and is proud to offer a unique product. He says that the card makes it simpler and hassle-free as customers do not have to spend time worrying if their purse is alright! This new card, which is a payment tool for both online and offline transactions and comes with a host of added advantages that constantly rewards the shoppers, is sure to give a new dimension to consumerism. Shwapno, being the largest retail chain in the country with a network of 63 outlets, has strived to offer the best retail experience to its customers. Sabbir

Hasan Nasir, Executive Director of ACI Logistics Ltd (Shwapno) says, “The new Mastercard Titanium Credit cards that will be offered to our shoppers and will create a shopping experience that is without stress or difficulty, while rewarding them in various ways such as monthly cash vouchers and reward points.” The card has no issuance fee for the first year and from the 2nd year onward, there is no annual charge with a minimum of 18 transactions over the year. Cardholders will also have access to the EBL Sky Lounge at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and Shah Amanat International Airport, Chittagong and would be eligible to avail Half Interest Pay Order (HiPO) facility and the buy-one-get-one offer at The Westin. This card can be used at all Mastercard accepted 33,000+ POS and 7,000+ ATM network nationwide. It also comes with exciting discounts and privileges at over 1,700 Mastercard partner merchant outlets. The cardholder can avail buy-one-get-one at partner hotels in both Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet. The card also comes with a BDT 1500 e-commerce discount coupon from Kiksha and Priyo stores. So, these are the new prospects of banking cards and they are becoming smarter day by day to ensure that customers enjoy the full benefits of the digital era.