Sampath bank launches affinity card for CIM members
Sampath Bank will launch an affinity card to all Charted Institute of Marketing (CIM) Sri Lanka Region members on July 18 under two categories of Visa regular and Visa Platinum.
The affinity card will be the firstever card among all CIM members worldwide and will be issued for all members including students who will pass the general eligibility requirements for credit cards. This is the first time an affinity card is offered to a platinum level from Sampath.
CIM Sri Lanka boasts over 3,000 members as present, which includes some 2,000 students, of which the majority are professionals. They will enjoy special offers exclusive to CIM members along with other offers and promotional activities in line for Sampath Bank credit cards.
Sampath Bank's Deputy General Manager of Marketing and Business Development Tharaka Ranwala stated that it was the first time the bank had tied up with an international body of high repute.
"The main feature is that this is cobranded card. There is a special zero interest instalment pay for CIM pay- ments such as membership fees, etc., and no joining fee attached," Ranwala said. "Periodic value additions will take place exclusively for CIM members while the general value adds will also be available to be enjoyed."
CIM Sri Lanka Chairperson Chitrangani Herat Gunaratne who also acknowledged their delight over the affinity card noted that with Sampath Bank with its wide network would help the institute further its reach.
"CIM Sri Lanka is the largest growing body outside Sri Lanka. Being the first to introduce affinity cards among all 11 countries is a giant stride on our part and was commended by all counterparts in UK and other countries."
The Institute has seen a 9% growth in membership in 2011.
She noted that when discussing the possibility of an affinity card flexibility, understanding and a win-win situation was looked at which was all provided by the bank. The card will help especially for student fee and registration, she noted.