When summer spending gets rewarding

While the summer months seem to provide a respite to the usual flurry of school activities and commercial goings-on, the country’s fastest growing credit card issuer is anticipating an upward trajectory in credit card usage during these months of travel, get-togethers, recreational activity and even prepping up for school.

"We’ve seen a spike in spending even during these summer months. That shows that consumers are actively pursuing their interests at this time and have taken to using their credit cards more and more," said HSBC Deputy CEO Martin Cook. He recently unveiled the bank’s summer campaign for both new and existing credit card holders, who can choose from an array of offerings that promise once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities as well as guaranteed rewards that cardholders can enjoy instantly.

"For starters, one million miles are at stake for a lucky Mabuhay Miles Visa cardholder. Newly approved Mabuhay Miles Visa cardholders automatically get 10 raffle chances while existing cardholders get one raffle ticket for every P1,000 spent on their card," said Cook, who pointed out that HSBC has become the 3rd largest credit card issuer in the country.

1,000,000 miles lets you, your family and friends fly for free all over the world to any of Philippine Airlines’ 30 destinations like Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. That’s not counting the extensive domestic routes that PAL flies in the Philippines.

"Imagine winning one million miles…thats equivalent to 125 trips to Boracay, 66 trips to Hong Kong or 15 trips to the West Coast. That should take care of a lifetime of summer getaways," added Cook.

There will also be 14 weekly draws of 16,000 miles each–good for trips to Cebu, Boracay, Bohol or even Hong Kong.

If a million miles is not your luck, there is an equally thrilling chance to fly to two of the world’s most exciting cities when you use any of your HSBC credit cards, including your Red MasterCard.

European getaway with HSBC

Whether it’s to marvel at the Louvre’s collection or stroll down Champs Elysees; to visit Westminster Abbey or watch the changing of the guards in Buckingham Palace, Paris and London are always a good idea.

With HSBC credit cards, that European adventure is one swipe away. Every P500 you charge on your HSBC credit card (HSBC Classic and Gold cards, Premier MasterCard, Red MasterCard and Mabuhay Miles Visa) gives you a chance to win four days and three nights in Paris with a free walking tour of the Louvre; an additional three days and two nights in London plus P100,000 spending money loaded on to your HSBC credit card!

Finger lickin’ good

"Consumers like instant, guaranteed rewards, " said Cook.

Together with KFC, HSBC rewards new approved HSBC primary cardholders of HSBC classic and Gold Visa and MasterCard as well as Red MasterCard with a free KFC Bucket Meal. That’s 15 pieces of KFC Chicken, five large fixins and five servings of rice to enjoy with friends when you use your new card for at least P500!

Instant discounts to spice up this summer are available in leading merchants like Adidas by Stella McCartney, Nike Stadium, Planet Sports, Hotel Pontefino, Sentro 1771 and Red Crab. Summer shopping is never a bore nor a burden with HSBC’s zero percent installment program at Store Specialist Inc’s Fruit and Passion, Prada, Armani Exchange, Bally, Salvatore Ferragamo and other exclusive brands; as well as in Lucerne, SM Appliance and Abenson.

Cook added that summer has more in store for HSBC cardholders.

"Want light and easy terms to pay off your balances? HSBC gives you just that when you apply for a new HSBC credit card. Simply transfer your non-HSBC credit card balances to any HSBC credit card and pay off your problems away at lower interest charges. Enjoy low add-on interest rates per month of only .88% interest per month for 12 to 18 months or one percent interest per month for a 24-month installment scheme. You can pay as low as five percent of your outstanding balance and will even earn bonus points on transferred amounts, " he said.

HSBC has also introduced a Tax Break campaign where new applicants get a chance to win back the taxes they paid in 2005. When you submit your ITR with your application form, you get a chance to be one of 30 lucky winners to get reimbursed up to P100,000 worth of taxes.

And for parents who have to start thinking of school this summer, help is on the way as you get instant cash for your tuition fee and school expenses and installment options on your HSBC credit card.

"It is one fully-charged, rewarding summer so remember to spend your summer with HSBC credit cards," said Cook.