Agreement signature for the launch of the new co-branded card in partnership with local carrier, Middle East Airlines, granting cardholders a blend of experience-based services and benefits
Bank Audi and MEA announced that they have extended their partnership by signing an agreement with MasterCard for the launch of “The Ultimate Cedar Miles World Elite”. This card will be launched for the first time in the Middle East during the month of December 2013, thus reinforcing the Bank’s market segmentation strategy and offering its local and regional ultra-high net worth customers the most innovative and exclusive products and services which cater to their distinctive lifestyle.
“The Ultimate” card is a unique card offered to affluent customers by invitation only. The choice of the card’s name is linked to the fact that it offers the most exhaustive range of unique privileges that meet the distinctive lifestyle of elite customers and give them the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience, thanks to an array of absolute advantages: “The Ultimate” mileage program, “The Ultimate” concierge service and VIP Lounge access, as well as “The Ultimate” insurance programs. Fruit of the Bank’s partnership with MEA, the card offers a generous mileage loyalty program in which the cardholder earns
1.5 mile for every USD 1
spent on the card and redeems it at all SkyTeam partners (19 airlines) with an exceptional
welcome bonus of 10,000 miles.
Mrs. Randa Bdeir, Head of Group Cards and e-Payment Solutions at Bank Audi, seized the occasion to underline that “the card comes with a top of the line unique customer value proposition which includes personal travel advisors, 24/7 dedicated luxury lifestyle concierge services, and invitations to exclusive priceless experiences, in addition to peace of mind benefits and unmatched acceptance. Designed to serve the VIP luxury traveller, “The Ultimate” card offers the ultimate experience at airport concierge services through “Airport by Invitation” access to 650 VIP airport lounges across the world, including unlimited access at the Cedar Lounge in Beirut.” She added: “Our emphasis being on developing long term relationships with our customers, we are proud to have worked in collaboration with MEA and MasterCard to launch a bespoke program like this one. With our understanding of this segment, we strongly believe this card will complement our customers’ lifestyles as they demand benefits and experiences which are relevant to their particular ways of life.”
“Affluent consumer values are evolving from material to experiential, and this drives new and different credit card needs. Today, affluent consumers want their payment solutions to provide recognition and exclusivity, preferential access, as well as global acceptance and exceptional service. MasterCard is responding to these evolving needs by creating and introducing new, differentiated payment solutions. World Elite is our most premium offering and the launch of this unique co-branded card with Bank Audi and Middle East Airlines is a testament to our commitment to offer rewarding solutions for cardholders in Lebanon. We are confident that Bank Audi’s customers will enjoy the exceptional benefits of this new product”, said Raghu Malhotra, Division President, Middle East and North Africa, MasterCard.