Beyond premium

MANILA, Philippines - They are people at the top of their game and want to achieve more as they are driven to succeed by nature. They take pride in the wealth and stature that they have achieved through the years.”

And they are very hardworking, which is how they got to be where they are in the first place.

These are the privileged who have the Metrobank Platinum MasterCard, the credit card for the elite clients of one of the country’s largest banks.

Metrobank Vice President for Marketing Aileen Vallesteros describes the Metrobank Platinum MasterCard cardholders as the preferred clients of the bank. “They are married, with their spouses usually being supplementary cardholders, and have young or teenaged children. They use their Platinum MasterCard both here and abroad for dining, retail shopping, leisure, and travel bookings. They want a credit card that provides them with the recognition and sense of privilege that they rightly deserve. It is important, therefore, that they be elevated to a status higher than most when they take out their card from their wallet.”

Metrobank’s top clientele seek unique experiences, personal and undivided attention from service providers, and utmost comfort during moments of travel and leisure. To answer these demands, Metrobank Cards has designed a suite of perks and privileges for them, such as 24-hour VIP Concierge Services provided by International SOS, the world’s leading provider of medical assistance and customer care. Services include referral and reservation assistance for hotels, resorts, restaurants, golf courses, special events and car rental, flower and gift delivery assistance, and courier and business services assistance.

Metrobank Cards also holds special and private shopping events that only its Platinum and World MasterCard cardholders have access to. “These are experiences meant to make life that much richer. From fashion previews to private sale events, choice seats at performances by legendary musicians to appointments at the world’s best spas. They’re exclusive to our premier clientele. Just recently, Metrobank invited both its World and Platinum MasterCard cardholders to the newly expanded Lucerne store at Shangri-La Mall then to the Louis Vuitton store at Greenbelt 3 to view their recent collections. The stores blocked off four hours in the evening and served cocktails and hors d’oeuvres exclusively to Metrobank clients.”

The Metrobank Platinum MasterCard carries a credit limit of up to P1 million, giving cardholders the benefit of additional purchasing power whenever they need it.

When they use their Platinum card they earn one Reward Point for every P20 that they spend.

They also get to choose from the Premium Rewards Catalog, which offers items such as appliances and gadgets like flat-screen TVs, cameras and laptops, gift certificates to fashion establishments, and air miles from Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.

“From our interaction with our premium cardholders, we know that what they like best are the campaigns that give them ready access to coveted and must-have luxury items, such as the launching of or a sneak preview to a new collection. Special payment terms on these high-ticket and luxury items are always a big hit.”

Vallesteros says that for 2010, Metrobank has lined up more rewarding and exclusive lifestyle programs for its World and Platinum MasterCard cardholders. “To start off, we have an exclusive event with a premium French brand for luxury leather goods in January, followed by a tie-up with a world-renowned jewelry brand in February. Platinum MasterCard cardholders can also look forward to exclusive travel privileges as summer approaches. Metrobank Cards will also continue to leverage on MasterCard’s Cross-border programs and MasterCard Moments to give our cardholders a wide array of unique offers from leading brands and establishments in the Philippines and across the world.”

The Metrobank Platinum MasterCard, after all, is an indispensable tool that will allow them free access to a world of limitless, privileged experiences aspired by all but not afforded to many.