Businesses and consumers can now avail themselves of American Express cards from all Bank of Valletta (BOV) branches.
BOV chief executive officer Tonio Depasquale and American Express senior vice-president and general manager Michael Edwards announced the new card service yesterday at a news conference.
The American Express cards, unlike debit or credit cards, are charge cards and target a yet untapped niche in the Maltese card market.
BOV will offer the Green, Gold, Platinum and Small Business American Express Cards, providing a number of new advantages and services in the Maltese market, as well as certain privileges and services – an integral part of the American Express brand.
The card service offers clients an all year 24 hours customer care service backed by a team of local professionals and 2,200 American Express travel service offices throughout the world.
Card members enjoy assistance in making travel arrangements, emergency card replacement and help in case of emergencies. All Platinum card members receive concierge services from lifestyle specialists to meet their unique requests such as making dinner reservations or sending special gifts to anyone, anywhere around the world.
American Express cards offer financial flexibility with a high credit limit determined by the financial status of the card member and his or her credit history. American Express members can avail themselves of 80,000 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) worldwide.
The wide range of American Express cards is available in Malta following a card issuance agreement reached between BOV and American Express last year. Clients interested in acquiring American Express cards can now visit all BOV branches, explained Mr Depasquale.
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services organisation founded in 1850. It has become a world leader in charge and credit cards, travellers’ cheques, travel and business services. Since 1996, American Express has been pursuing a strategy of opening its merchant network and card product portfolio to third party issuers around the world.