Amex added to BNZ stable

By KEVIN TAYLOR

The Bank of New Zealand, the biggest credit card issuer in the country, has added American Express to the Visa and Mastercard brands it already offers.

The partnership with American Express would offer advantages to both the bank and customers, the BNZ said.

The cards offered include classic and gold BNZ American Express credit cards, and GlobalPlus American Express classic and gold cards.

The BNZ general manager, credit cards, Pradeep Roy, said American Express had its own brand attraction, particularly among younger people. American Express has 1700 offices worldwide and was supported in 130 countries.

For customers the main difference between American Express and BNZ American Express cards would be that BNZ customers would get access to the bank's services and rewards.

Fees and rates for the new card were the same as existing BNZ credit cards, Roy said.

The bank planned to offer cardholders new benefits in future.

The BNZ will be responsible for all servicing, including billing, accounting, customer service and credit authorisations.

Roy said the BNZ would also be responsible for marketing, and an advertising campaign using television and print would be undertaken early next year.

American Express executive Kula Kulendran said the main spinoff from the deal for American Express was increased exposure of the brand in New Zealand.

However, American Express would continue promoting its own range of charge and credit cards in New Zealand.