MasterCard Platinum Cards record more than 100% growth in 2003

MasterCard International today announced that the number of MasterCard Platinum cards issued in Asia/Pacific has more than doubled in 2003. MasterCard introduced the first Platinum card program in Asia/Pacific in 1998 and has since continued to enhance the program to enrich the lifestyles of its cardholders. 

The Platinum Collection program was created in 2002 to provide an enhanced platform for issuing member financial institutions to cater to cardholders' needs. Exclusively designed to provide Platinum MasterCard cardholders throughout Asia/Pacific priceless experiences and exclusive benefits, the MasterCard Platinum Collection now encompasses an exquisite assortment of more than 150 leading hotels, golf courses, restaurants and merchants, offering some 200 extraordinary packages and value-added benefits.

"MasterCard has developed an in-depth understanding and appreciation of the lifestyles of this high net worth customer segment. On average, a MasterCard Platinum cardholder spends close to three times that of a standard card cardholder. Our Platinum program is built to deliver the highest level of utility to our cardholders, as well as establish both top of mind preference and increased loyalty that benefit the issuers," said Jeff Portelli, senior vice president, Product Delivery Group, Asia/Pacific, MasterCard.

The MasterCard Platinum Collection features a wide range of unique lifestyle experiences from Rolls-Royce luxury picnics in Western Australia's wine region of Margaret River to the royal treatment at some of the most exclusive golf courses around the world. Spa and weekend retreats, adventure and leisure experiences, hotel, airline, dining and shopping packages are among the other exclusive offerings.

In addition, benefits for all Platinum MasterCard cardholders include:

· MasterCard Platinum Concierge Services: 24/7 personalized service providing assistance for a host of travel and emergency services covering pre-departure information, travel/personal assistance services, medical travel emergency services, lifestyle services, vehicle assistance services and home assistance services.

· MasterCard Platinum Collection Website and Electronic Newsletter: Details of services and booking procedures, and the latest program/partner updates are available via a dedicated website and monthly electronic newsletter.

· MasterCard Platinum Collection Benefits: An assortment of special cardholder benefits that include 24-hour stolen card reporting, emergency card replacement and emergency cash advance services via a highly trained MasterCard representative and available 24/7 in any language.