Monday, 19 August 2013 00:00
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Nations Trust Bank PLC, one of the fastest growing banks in Sri Lanka will shortly launch the Nations Trust Debit Master Card.
NTB’s market positioning of being the benchmark of customer convenience is ably supported by a host of financial products and services that are available to a wide customer segment. The bank now operates 62 branches, seven Personal Banking Centres, and an island-wide ATM network that is growing and accessible from 72 locations island wide. Nations Trust Bank is also the sole issuer and acquirer for American Express cards in Sri Lanka.
Deputy General Manager Retail Banking of Nations Trust Bank Keshini Jayawardene commenting on the key benefits of the soon to be launched Debit card, said that they were calling it the Nations Trust Bank Shopping Card as the new card will make it convenient for the bank’s customers to pull out their card and shop with it wherever they are, without the hassle of having to look for an ATM machine or bank from which to withdraw their money, thus doing away with the risk of carrying large amounts of cash as well.
Jayawardene said they would start replacing the ATM cards of existing customers soon after the launch with the new Debit card.
“All new customers will be issued with the new Debit Card which will function as an ATM card as well as a Shopping Card”.
As for the unique features of this card she revealed: “It is a prestigious card to have in one’s wallet or purse. Nations Trust Bank will be issuing the top of the range Platinum Debit MasterCard and also the World Debit MasterCard which is considered to be the ultimate in the MasterCard range. As you know the acceptability of a MasterCard is widespread and worldwide, being one of the leading card issuers in the world.”
She went on to say there were many special features attached to the product, namely that the Nations Trust Bank Debit MasterCard can be used as an ATM card at any Master, Maestro or Cirrus ATM networks globally. “This gives our customers access to over 1 million ATMs worldwide. The card can be used also at point-of-sale just like you use your credit card at any MasterCard accepted merchant globally. In terms of security, there are special security features such as the EMV chip which protects the customer.”
According to Jayawardene, one of the best features of the card is that customers will always be notified by an SMS once a transaction is made through the card whether it’s an ATM withdrawal or point-of-sale transaction. “This is certain to make all customers very comfortable.”
Latest market trends show that people like the convenience of using plastic for their shopping, without having to pay cash, and that they like to have a choice between using credit cards or debit cards. “In fact current data shows that increasing numbers of people now prefer to use their existing funds through debit cards for shopping due to current global economic conditions. I think it is only right that at Nations Trust Bank we give our customers all the choices and the maximum convenience which they deserve, and have come to expect from us.” Jayawardene said that customer benefits would include discounts at a number of merchant outlets island-wide throughout the year such as premium jewellery and clothing stores, as well hotels and resorts.
“We are very excited about the forthcoming launch of the Nations Trust Debit Master Card and assure our customers both existing as well as potential that at NTB, one can always expect innovation, a superior level of service and the latest financial services and products,” said Jayawardene.
In the event that a customer loses his or her Debit Card or it gets stolen, the 24-hour Customer Contact Center is open for guidance and customers could contact them on 0114 711 411.
Jayawardene said that more information on the Nations Debit MasterCard could be obtained from any Nations Trust Bank branch or from the 24-hour customer contact centre on 011 4 711 411.
