Bangkok--Aug 3--HSBC
HSBC continues to recruit more credit card members, following the remarkable success of the recruitment campaign “HSBC Gives You More”. The new HSBC credit card campaign offers new cardholders an enticing choice of either a gold necklace or a branded bag, with the aim of attracting 50,000 new card members by the end of October 2005. Meanwhile, existing credit card members continue to enjoy the many benefits and privileges reserved for HSBC credit cardholders. HSBC also has further plans for continuing its integrated marketing campaigns to raise recognition of the HSBC brand in the hearts of Thai consumers.
Mr. Marcus Hurry, CEO of HSBC in Thailand, explained that HSBC plans to continue building its name as one of the greatest banks in the country, introducing world-class financial products, particularly personal financial services and credit cards, to serve the needs of Thai consumers. This is in line with HSBC being “The world’s local bank”. Mr Hurry is pleased that so far, its efforts have produced an overwhelming response to its award winning credit card campaigns. HSBC has become better known and accepted by the Thai people. A recent study of Thai credit cardholders shows that HSBC has high brand awareness and is liked by these discerning Thai consumers. Moreover, HSBC in Thailand won the bronze award for its innovative use of media from the 2nd Adman Awards & Symposium organized by the Advertising Business Association of Thailand. Also in July, HSBC ranked 29th in this year's list of the 100 best global brands published by BusinessWeek magazine, up from last year’s 33rd.
Mr. Wichit Phayuhanaveechai, Head of Marketing and Communications, HSBC in Thailand, said that HSBC believes that the credit card market in Thailand would enjoy continued growth for those offering quality products and services. As a result, it has continued to spend on marketing and promotional activities. Its latest campaign is to offer new incentives from now until 31 October 2005 for new credit card members. In addition to waiving the enrolment fee and annual fee for the first year, new members who spend more than 3,000 baht in their first month of membership will receive a free ESPRIT bag or a high-tech electric frying pot. HSBC is also offering a gold necklace to any new credit card member who spends no less than 3,000 baht each month for three consecutive months, with an accumulated total spending of no less than 40,000 baht in the first three months after membership approval.
Mr. Wichit said: “Apart from incentives for new credit card members, HSBC in Thailand continues to offer new privileges and benefits to its current cardholders in addition to market leading incentives such as a 51 day interest-free period. The HSBC Rewards loyalty programme, in which card holders earn one loyalty point for every 25 baht spent through their credit cards with points redeemable for prizes or for air tickets from partner airlines’ mileage programmes; and discounts from various leading domestic and overseas merchants in over 40 countries around the world is an example. Cardholders also enjoy the convenience of payment channels at over 9,000 points in Thailand. In all, we believe that our products and services give customers utmost satisfaction.”
Mr. Norman Cockerell, Head of Personal Financial Services, HSBC in Thailand, said the bank’s investment in building HSBC brand awareness through its integrated marketing campaigns in the second quarter has definitely won over the hearts of Thai consumers. Together with the rapid expansion of our sales channels, this has resulted in a 250% increase in credit card applications over the previous quarter. He said the “HSBC Gives You More” campaign has been particularly popular. Over the coming three months, the bank will continue to apply its integrated marketing strategies and the expansion of its sales force to add another 50,000 credit card members, bringing the number of HSBC cards in circulation in Thailand to around 450,000 by the end of this year.
Notes to editors:
1. HSBC in Thailand
HSBC was established as the first commercial bank in Thailand in 1888. With access to global expertise and enriched local knowledge, HSBC in Thailand provides a full range of financial services including corporate and institutional banking, global markets, securities services, trade finance, payment and cash management services to corporate customers; personal financial services and credit cards to a growing retail customer base in Thailand. HSBC is globally recognised for its high service standards, ethical practices and full commitment to corporate social responsibilities to benefit the local economy.
2. HSBC Holdings plc or the HSBC Group
Headquartered in London, the HSBC Group is one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world. The Group’s international network comprises over 9,800 offices in 77 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, serves over 110 million customers and has assets of US$1,277 billion at 31December 2004. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) is the founding and principal member of the HSBC Group.
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