The FINANCIAL — Bank of Georgia has started the exclusive issuance of the new American Express Business Credit Cards.
This is the first type of card to be introduced specifically for the business sector in Georgia, claims Bank of Georgia.
“Businesses in Georgia will be able to choose from two cards – the American Express Green Business Card and the American Express Gold Business Card,” said Irakli Gilauri, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Georgia.
“The new American Express-branded Business Cards offer Georgian companies financial control and outstanding value through a host of exciting features including payment flexibility, 24/7 world-class customer services. These cards give the opportunity to access unique business offers, coupled with benefits such as travel insurance and purchase protection.”
“We plan to issue up to 20 000 American Express Business Credit Cards by the end of 2012,” he added.
Companies with the new business cards will be allowed a common credit limit under which they can request any number of cards. The maximum amount of credit depends on the company. Credits are free of interest during 35 days. Card-members can access cash at any Bank of Georgia ATM and service centres and at more than 800,000 ATMs around the world.
The American Express® Green Business Card and the American Express® Gold Business Card can be used for everyday business spending and travel costs, as well as for cash withdrawals at Bank of Georgia service centres and ATMs. Card-members can collect Membership Reward points which can be redeemed against company purchases, and will also receive access to the Select merchant discounts programme.
“Membership Rewards can be earned on all purchases and these will be accumulated on the company’s account. Heads of the companies can spend the Membership Reward points for company use as well as encourage their staff with these points,” Gilauri stated.
“Business Card-members can save money through the Business Savings Programme which offers significant discounts of up to 50% at popular hotels and restaurants, as well as at everyday spending locations including Sheraton Batumi, Holiday Inn, Two Side, Kalakuri and etc. Offers are available on purchases made both locally and abroad,” he added.
Companies will earn one point for every 1 GEL their employees spend making purchases using their Business Cards. The points will never expire and companies can redeem their points for a wide range of travel packages, flights and everyday business items.
The annual cost of The American Express® Green Business Card is 100 GEL, while the American Express Gold Business Card costs 200 GEL. When ordering three Business Cards, companies can receive every fourth card free of charge.
Card-members will benefit from comprehensive travel insurance, encompassing expenses associated with medical and injury costs and with cancelled or delayed flights, which is compliant with Schengen visa requirements. The Cards’ partner insurance company is Aldagi BCI.
Bank of Georgia is the exclusive issuer of American Express payment cards, as well as the American Express merchant acquirer in Georgia.
“The strength of the partnership between Bank of Georgia and American Express is highlighted by the launch of these innovative new products designed for the Georgian market,” Gilauri said. “The new American Express Green and Gold Business Cards offer businesses a high level of financial freedom, the ability to keep close track of expenses and save business costs, while also accessing the key benefits associated with the American Express brand. These value-added credit products created to support the needs of our SME and corporate clients are in line with the Bank’s intention to offer unique products to businesses,” said Gilauri.
“We are delighted to partner with Bank of Georgia to launch the American Express Green and Gold Business Cards,” said Colin O’Flaherty, Vice-President, Business Development, American Express Global Network Services, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “American Express is committed to working with Bank of Georgia to continue to find new ways to add value and help create best-in-class products that meet the needs of their business customers and drive loyal, high spending customers to American Express merchants. These new cards carry unique features and comprehensive benefits which make them the ideal products for businesses seeking to manage their finances efficiently and flexibly.”
Bank of Georgia had launched 4 types of American Express Cards. 2 business type cards are already added. American Express Cards share about 70 percent in the whole amount of cards issued up by Bank of Georgia. Their number amounts to approximately 100 000.
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