VCB launches the MasterCard World Rewards Credit card in Kenya

Victoria Commercial Bank(VCB) and MasterCard today announced the launch of the MasterCard World Rewards Credit card, giving the bank’s cosmopolitan customers access to a range of exclusive benefits and privileges in Kenya and around the world.

Cardholders will be able to take advantage of exclusive offers on flights, accommodation, car hire, dining, retail, sports and entertainment through the MasterCard Priceless Cities and Priceless Africa programmes.

The MasterCard World Credit card empowersVCBcustomers with the flexibility to explore the places and activities that mean the most to them, in keeping with their fast-paced lifestyles.

“Our customers are increasingly seeking faster, more secure and smarter ways to pay. To cater to their evolving needs, we have launched the MasterCard World Rewards Credit card, making it easier for them to safely access their funds both here in Kenya and abroad,” says YogeshPattni, Managing Director of VCB.

According to Nielsen, Kenya’s rising GDP per capita indicates increasing consumer incomes. The study further highlights that trendy and progressive affluent consumer’s account for 34 percent of Kenya’s population.

The launch of the MasterCard World Rewards Credit card will allow Kenyan cardholders to earn loyalty points on their card spend, which can be redeemed for flights at hundreds of airlines worldwide, car rentals and hotel stays at over 160,000 hotels globally. They will also be able to pay bills and shop online at a wide variety of local and international stores.

“MasterCard paymentcards are accepted at millions of merchants in more than 210 countries, which means that both leisure and business travellers can access their funds almost anywhere,” says Anthony Karingi, Vice President, Business Development, East Africa, MasterCard. “Importantly, every local and international transaction is protected byEMV Chip and PIN technology, which provides additional layers of security every time a cardholder uses their payment cardonline or in a store.”

“At VCB, we believe that it is important to anticipate our customers’ needs and wants, and reward them for their loyalty. For this reason, we are pleased to make this rewards program available to our affluent customers so that they can access priceless privileges around the world,” says Pattni.

Karingi went on to note that MasterCard believes in a World Beyond Cash, and appreciates the efficiency, enhanced security, and broad economic growth that electronic payments and other payment innovations provide over cash, which is costly and unsafe.

“Our approach is to create meaningful partnerships across both the private and public sectors. Kenya needs innovative payment solutions that deliver results, helping the country to create a cashless environment where business and all citizens’ benefit.  It is through partnerships such as the one with VCB that we are able to create a cashless Kenya, together.” Karingi says.