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Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Friday, 30 August 2013 02:49 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
attendance.
Also present were Area Head South Asia for MasterCard Vikas Varma and Vice President and Account Head South Asia R.B. Santosh Kumar.
Executive Director Sarath Piyaratna in his opening note said that NTB strives to provide unparalleled banking solutions to its customers and is the first bank to introduce the 365-day banking facility to Sri Lanka as well as personalised banking services through ‘Bank-At-Your-Doorstep’.
Head of Branches Sanjaya Perera introducing the ‘Nations Trust Shopping Debit MasterCard’ went on to describe the features and value additions of the card and urged the existing customers who were present at the gathering to collect their new cards, asserting that everyone should own a ‘Nations Trust Shopping Debit MasterCard’.
The launch of the card was marked by airing the first commercial on the new card featuring NTB’s brand ambassador and popular sports personality Kumar Sangakkara; subsequent to which he addressed the gathering. “I am proud to be the Brand Ambassador for Nations Trust Bank. 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 65 branches, seven Personal Banking Centres, and an islandwide ATM network that is growing and accessible from 84 locations island wide. In this context and keeping in mind my life style, you may be sure that the Nations Trust Shopping Debit Master Card will always be in my pocket,” said Sangakkara. As a token of appreciation the first card was presented to Sangakkara by CEO of Nations Trust Bank Renuka Fernando.
To mark the launch of the new card NTB handed over 10 Nations Trust Shopping Debit Master Cards to its premier customers.
The Area Head South Asia for MasterCard Vikas Varma , elaborating on the key features of the Card, said that 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 network globally.
“This gives our customers’ access to over one million ATMs worldwide. The card can also be used 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, while 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 and this is certain to make all customers very comfortable.”
Varma went on to say that 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 an increasing number of people now prefer to use their existing funds through Debit cards for shopping due to current global economic conditions. As one of Sri Lanka’s leading and fastest growing banks, it is only fitting that Nations Trust Banks gives their customers all the choices and the maximum convenience which they deserve, and have come to expect.”
Fernando 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, thus doing away with the hassle of having to look for an ATM machine or bank from which to withdraw their money, as well as the risk of carrying large amounts of cash.”
Fernando went on to say 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.
In the event that a customer loses his or her Debit Card or it gets stolen, the 24 hour Customer Contact Centre is open for guidance and customers could contact them on 0114 711 411.
“We are confident that the addition of the Nations Trust Shopping Debit Master Card to our portfolio of services will further consolidate the bank’s image as one of the country’s leading financial institutions, providing customers both existing as well as potential with a superior level of service and the latest financial products, together with cutting edge financial solutions and innovations,” said Fernando.
