Citibank offers card for expats

By Kim Jae-won

Citibank Korea is providing tailor-made credit card services for expats.

The subsidiary of the U.S.-based financial services giant Citigroup announced in August that Citibank credit cards customers can enjoy 5 percent off their grocery bill at Haddon House, one of the most popular supermarkets among expatriates in Seoul.

The English-language service includes text message notifications, electronic statements, internet and mobile banking, and a 24/7 CitiPhone customer service help line.

In addition, customers can apply for any one of three selected Citicard products from among Citi PremierMiles Card, the Shinsegae Citicard Quattro and the Citi Revolving Visa Card with a fuel/petrol discount ― via an English-language application form.

Once they are approved for their credit card, customers who take advantage of this service will receive all relevant card information in English.

“It’s always challenging to live away from home, in a country where everyone speaks a different language”, explained Sergio Zanatti, Citibank card business group head.

“Especially challenging to conduct your financial affairs in a language you don’t understand, which is why Citibank recognized the challenges and prepared a complete range of services in English so that expatriates would feel more at home using our services.”

Now the lender’s foreign customers can make the most of living in Korea with the Citi Card English-language service and enjoy all the benefits that Citicard offers.

Citi’s credit card service has attracted attention from its customers for various useful programs. Citicard Premium Dining was launched in February. It is a program which gives the users a 10-percent discount at 160 high quality restaurants and offers additional benefits such as free desserts or beverages.

A concierge service is available through a dedicated call center and a Citi website provides special functionalities including SMS notifications (merchant information), online reservations, and driving directions.

To celebrate its opening, Citicard will provide extra discounts, special coupons, and a lucky draw for a culinary journey to Singapore. In addition, a Dining Guide book and Bar & Dining magazines will be mailed to high spenders (10,000 customers).

Citicard is taking strategic action to materialize the opportunity to introduce new mobile payment technology into the market which will both help build a perceptual scale and enable Citi to leapfrog competitors.

Citi is well underway to launch mobile stickers, being the first issuer in Korea, in July. Following will be local based marketing for mobile cards in May and mobile payment, to be introduced in the fourth quarter.

For additional information about Citibank Credit Card products and promotions, call (02) 2004-1004 or visit its website at www.citibank.co.kr.