American Express cards are now available to Maltese customers and businesses through Bank of Valletta.
Malta's largest financial institution yesterday launched a range of American Express charge cards which will also bear the local bank's brand: the famous green card, besides Gold, Platinum and Small Business American Express offerings.
This co-branded range is the result of a card issuance agreement signed last October. BoV is the first American Express Global Network Services partner to hold an acquiring licence in the Europe, Middle East and Africa territories.
The cards, aimed at premium customers in a range of brackets, provide members with a variety of services and access to privileges and products locally and across the world.
American Express, the fourth largest US card issuer, boasts round-the-clock customer support and service at over 2,000 travel offices worldwide, offering card members assistance with everything from travel arrangements to emergency card replacement. Platinum card members are entitled to concierge services from lifestyle specialists to accommodate unique - and even extraordinary - requests like dinner reservations and gift delivery. Among the most bizarre requests to be met by American Express was one for a live tiger: a card member required the animal for a photo shoot in London's Hyde Park.
Depending on status and credit history, the cards provide for high levels of credit limits for up to 39 days from the date of the transaction by full repayment each month.
Special travel booking services, including business trip arrangements within Malta or abroad, are available to card members. Platinum services include free flight or hotel room upgrades and premium guest treatment at major hotels.
American Express cards also come with a range of insurance products offering cover locally and overseas. Insurance cover includes retail purchase protection in case of theft or damage, travel accident cover for card members and their families while abroad, and travel inconvenience cover in the event of luggage loss or flight delays.
American Express cards are accepted by over 800,000 ATMs worldwide.
Bank of Valletta chief executive officer Tonio Depasquale said the range of premium products will be an "interesting addition" to over 300,000 BoV debit and credit cards already in circulation. American Express senior vice-president and general manager Michael Edwards said the collaboration between the financial groups married a premium global brand with a significant customer base in Malta.
American Express cards have been accepted locally for several years. BoV's "very positive" relations with the company date to the 1990s when it was named paying agent for the card issuing giant. In October 2003, American Express and BoV announced a merchant acquirer agreement to facilitate card transaction processing. Three years ago, American Express card members were able to withdraw cash from BoV ATMs under a third agreement.