Bangkok--30 May--Bangkok Bank
Bangkok Bank in partnership with the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) and Visa International (Thailand) today launched the new ‘Be1st-BTS’ Visa debit card, a smart new way to shop and ride on the BTS.
The new Be1st-BTS card is a combined ATM card, a debit card and a contact-less travel card, the first of its kind in Thailand.
Customers who sign up for the new card will also receive Bt100 automatically loaded into the card’s travel purse.
Bangkok Bank Credit Card Manager, Mr. Shoke Na Ranong, said the bank is proud to be working in partnership with the BTS to deliver even greater convenience to customers.
“The Be1st-BTS card is the first of its kind and the only card you need to shop and ride the BTS. Firstly, customers get all the advantages of a Be1st debit card which enables them to withdraw money from an ATM and make purchases at point-of-sale and on-line, so they never have to worry about carrying enough cash with them to make purchases.
“Cardholders can complete transactions via Bangkok Bank’s network of more than 3,600 ATMs nationwide, at any ATM in Thailand that bears the ATM pool sign, or from any ATM overseas that bears the PLUS logo.
“With the Be1st-BTS card, customers can also store their BTS travel money in the card, then simply tap it against the card reader at the BTS stations and go!
“At Bangkok Bank, it’s our goal to provide greater convenience to our customers,” Mr. Shoke said.
Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Director and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Surapong Laosa-unya, said the BTS is pleased to be working with Bangkok Bank, Thailand’s leading bank, in introducing this innovative product.
“With a Be1st-BTS card, commuters no longer need other cards in their pocket. Our contactless technology also makes commuters’ lives faster and more convenient because they don’t have to pull the card out of their pocket or wallet. They simply tap the card against the card reader and go!
“Cardholders can top up their BTS stored value at any BTS station with amounts from Bt100 — Bt2000. The travel value sits in a separate purse from the customer’s bank account, and the fare is automatically deducted from that purse when they tap their card against the reader as they exit the station.
“Commuters can top up their BTS stored value using either cash, credit card or the debit card function of their Be1st-BTS card,” said Mr. Surapong.
Existing Be1st cardholders can apply for a Be1st-BTS card to use as their second Be1st card. New customers can sign up for a Be1st-BTS card at any Bangkok Bank branch. For more information please call Bualuang Phone on 1333 or visit Bangkok Bank’s website at www.bangkokbank.com
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