Sampath Bank, CIM Sri Lanka create history with VISA Platinum Affinity credit card

Sri Lanka’s leading innovative private bank, Sampath Bank launched a Platinum Affinity credit card to all members of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka Region, on a grand scale at 8 Degrees on the Lake, Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Colombo, on 18 July.   

The members of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka Region can now obtain Sampath – CIM Platinum Affinity credit cards. This is yet another ‘first’ for Sampath Bank, which has introduced numerous innovative products from time to time.

According to Sampath Bank’s DGM – Marketing and Business Development Tharaka Ranwala, this is the first time the bank has launched an Affinity card for an international marketing body. “It will be valid internationally like any other credit card issued by Sampath Bank,” he said.

The card will be in two categories – Visa Platinum and Visa Regular. This is the first time a Platinum level recognition has been offered for an Affinity credit card by any bank in Sri Lanka. The Sampath – CIM Platinum Affinity credit card will be the first-ever Affinity credit card issued by CIM worldwide. As a special benefit, the joining fee will be waived off on both Affinity card types. A zero percent instalment plan is also being introduced for CIM members for CIM payments such as membership, examination fees, annual subscription fees, etc.

There will be special periodic deals and value additions offered to CIM members. In addition, CIM members could also enjoy a multitude of other special offers, value additions and promotional activities extended for Sampath Bank Credit Card holders.

Ranwala said: “Sampath Bank is honoured to have partnered with CIM on this venture. Sampath Bank believes in brand association and partnerships with prestigious organisations such as CIM, and will further strengthen and enhance this initiative. CIM is one of the best educational bodies in the world and we are proud to be associated with them.”

Sampath Bank revolutionised the credit card industry by being one of the first banks to introduce credit cards of people’s choice with real value additions. The bank launched the first of its VISA Platinum credit cards, which was considered one of the most prestigious of cards, in 2002.  Sampath Bank has been setting standards in the industry and this is yet another first in the bank’s portfolio. The bank was the first to introduce VISA Signature and VISA Infinite credit cards to Sri Lanka that are rated amongst the top of the range cards in the world. VISA Infinite is offered 100% strictly by invitation only and currently, Sampath Bank claims an elite profile, considered as a totally different portfolio.

The bank has launched Affinity cards in partnership with number of reputed schools/institutions such as Visaka Vidyalaya, Ananda College, St. Thomas’ College, Trinity College, Royal College, Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka, Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya, etc.  and also a co-branded card with Mercedes Benz.

Commenting on the introduction of the Affinity card, CIM Sri Lanka Region Chairperson Chitrangani Herat Gunaratne said: “CIM Sri Lanka Region is the first CIM Chapter in the world to introduce an Affinity card to its members, our objective is to offer tangible benefits to our members through this card which will be exclusive to members of CIM Sri Lanka Region. The affiliation with Sampath Bank will also help us in our future programmes of expanding our activities to the outstation areas, while offering excellent benefits and privileges to our members. The main reason for selecting Sampath Bank was that it offers exceptional benefits and together we will offer our members more benefits to meet the demands of today’s fast paced lifestyle.”