Citi, MTS, a Russia-based cellular operator and MasterCard have launched MTS-Citibank World MasterCard, a co-brand credit card that combines three loyalty programs, offering customers an opportunity to earn more points and more free minutes.
With every purchase made in Russia and abroad, Citibank World MasterCard customers will accumulate bonus points and will be able to exchange them for free minutes, SMS packages, gift certificates from large retail chains and other rewards as part of the MTS Bonus program.
MTS said that the holder of MTS-Citibank World MasterCard co-branded card is eligible for three additional cards. Bonus points for the transactions made with additional cards will go to the MTS telephone number associated with the main card.
Michael Gerchuk, VP and chief commercial officer at MTS, said: “Today, loyalty programs have become strategic instruments which allow our company to build strong and mutually beneficial relations with its clients. We continue to strengthen our MTS Bonus loyalty program where over five million MTS clients participate already.
“We actively attract partners, which allows us to offer program members a wide range of possibilities both in mobile communication services and banking, leisure and shopping.”
Zdenek Turek, president of ZAO Citibank and head of Citi, Russia and CIS, said: “MTS-Citibank World MasterCard credit card has been designed to offer increasing number of Citibank, MTS and MasterCard’ customers added value benefits and fast, secure, convenient and easy method of payment. Going forward, we will continue to explore more new and attractive opportunities to provide unique and value-added experiences to our clients.”
Ilya Riaby, head of MasterCard Europe representative office in Russia, said: “Co-brand initiatives with mobile operators are considered to be one of the most popular products with consumers worldwide. If you compare the number of subscribers of cellular networks with the number of payment cardholders in Russia, you can easily see the potential of such projects.”
