Bangkok--1 Mar--KASIKORNBANK
KASIKORNBANK has confirmed its leadership in debit card innovation by launching Angry Birds debit card, with eight card designs based on the popular online game. The first of its kind in Thailand, these cards are being issued to build up the Gen-Y customer base, with expectation of four million new debit cards issued this year alone. KBank debit card spending already tops the industry, holding over 40% market share in 2011.
According to Mr. Pakorn Partanapat, KASIKORNBANK Executive Vice President, more than 65 million ATM and debit cards have been issued in Thailand, and the number is increasing. Most of these cards are of similar design, but KBank believes that debit cards should be unique, reflecting the wishes of cardholder. KBank has already issued multiple card designs, making K-Debit Cards the card-of-choice among customers. The first such cards were K-My Debit Card, allowing cardholders to design their own card faces in response to the desires of both teens and workers, and K-Max Debit Card, which includes insurance coverage giving customers confidence at every step. These two cards have been well received, with over half the Bank’s customers choosing either K-My Debit Card or K-Max Debit Card over ordinary cards. Building on success, KBank continues to introduce new debit card styles for our customers.
KBank has now created the Angry Birds debit card, the first of its kind in Thailand, with eight exciting designs based on the hit online game. The world’s most popular online game at the moment, Angry Birds has been downloaded more than 700 million times worldwide and KBank expects that the popularity of the new design will boost new debit cards issued by four million.
Apart from the exciting Angry Birds style, Angry Birds debit cardholders, like K-My Debit Card and K-Max Debit Card holders, will enjoy many privileges. Cardholders pay only 99 Baht for any movie at any showtime at any Major or EGV theater, rather than the normal 140 Baht; only 99 Baht for ice cream at Swensen’s, rather than the normal 175. Cardholders receive a 99-Baht rebate on every 5,000 spent shopping online and one reward point for every 25 Baht spent on the card.
Angry Birds fans may apply for the Angry Birds debit card from March 1 to May 31 at any KBank branch while stocks last. They may also apply at Angry Birds debit card launching activities March 1 to 4 at Central World Atrium Plaza, where activities and game booths will be available and cards will be issued. Contact the K-Contact Center at 0 2888 8888 for more information.
Mr. Henri Holm, Senior Vice President of Rovio Asia, Rovio Entertainment, game developer and creator of the globally popular Angry Birds game, believes that the game will become as successful here as it is in other countries, with its beautiful cartoon characters and easily played game giving access to all types of player.
Mr. Neal Rudge, Partner of the Pacific Licensing Studio, which supervises Angry Birds licensing in Southeast Asia, says that working with KBank on this will provide a new experience for Angry Birds fans, as it is the first time in Thailand that Angry Birds designs have moved to debit cards, after having appeared on other products becoming very popular. He expects the new debit cards to be enthusiastically received by Thai fans.
Mr. Pakorn adds that KBank works with business partners in creating new debit card designs and in offering a variety of cardholder privileges as a part of the Bank’s consistent focus on customer service. KBank has consequently became the top bank for debit card spending in Thailand, with 50 billion Baht in expenditures in 2011, an increase 20 percent over 2010. That total represents 40% of the market, a 50% yearly expansion and more than double the industry average. Despite holding the number one position, KBank will continue to offer new benefits to customers.