BPI, Ayala Malls launch AmoreVisa credit card

CEBU, Philippines - Giving Filipino shoppers the utmost benefits in lifestyle shopping, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Ayala Malls introduced the first lifestyle credit and loyalty card called “Amore” in partnership with VISA Philippines.

The first of its kind lifestyle credit and loyalty card in the country was introduced in Cebu Thursday, amid the growing acceptance of Filipinos of the card payment concept, instead of cash.

BPI Card Banking Group Head and senior vice president Maria Cristina Go said in a press conference that card payment is becoming popular among Filipinos, along with the expansion of urbanization in the Philippines.

The BPI and Ayala Malls’ Amore Visa card is not just a credit card, but it is also a privilege card providing cardholders with perks and special offers in all  Ayala Malls around the country.

According to Pia Arellano, business development director for VISA Philippines, the card payment system in the retail industry in the Philippines has grown significantly over the years.

For retail spending, about 40 percent is now being paid via credit cards, she said. Of this, about 14 percent is spent in  shopping and dining.

Of the several forms of card payment system, the biggest growth is seen in the credit card payment, compared to debit and prepaid cards, Arellano added.

The new BPI-Ayala Malls Amore Visa card awards cardholders with shopping rebates of  four percent for every P1,000 spent in BPI-affiliated Ayala Malls establishments.

A one percent rebate is given for purchases in drugstores, supermarkets, schools, bookstores, school and office supplies, department stores and specialty retail stores, home furnishings and improvements, health and personal care, leisure and sports, electronics and household appliances, and service and utilities.

Cardholders also get four percent every time they use their card in restaurants, and three percent on  accessories, shoes, leather goods, and clothing stores.

In addition to rebates, cardholders are entitled to discounts and freebies at participating Ayala Malls establishments and can enjoy limited use of customer and family lounges, exclusive invites to sale events, workshops and promotional activities, invitations to movie block screenings, cinema express land and five percent on cinema ticket purchases.

Since its launching in Manila on October 18,   BPI has noted a   significant number of applications from shoppers all over the country.

“The reception is very good,” said Rowena Tomeldan vice president and head of operations and support services of the Ayala Land Inc. (developer of Ayala Malls). “This is the first powerful credit and rewards card introduced in the country so far.”  (FREEMAN)