Kasikornbank Aims To Issue Five Million New Debit Cards In 2014

BANGKOK, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Kasikornbank expects to issue five million new debit cards this year, thus increasing its total debit cards to 11 million cards and maintaining its leadership in the business. In a statement, the commercial bank said it also aims to expand merchant services to accept more K-Debit Cards to reinforce the “Universal Debit Card” concept, of which debit cards can be used anywhere for any purchase. Kasikornbank Executive Vice President, Pakorn Partanapat said its “Universal Debit Card” concept offers customer convenience in using a single debit card anywhere for any type of purchase by focusing on its functional benefits. "K-Debit Cards can be used at ATMs, retail outlets, online shops or websites. Promotional campaigns will be provided to respond to customer lifestyles and to exploit its emotional benefits to attract new cardholders," he said. Pakorn said current ATM and debit card users in Thailand total approximately 57 million, of which 15 million are using ATM cards and 42 million, debit cards. Total spending of both cards in 2013 was approximately 98 billion baht, of which 33 billion baht or 34 percent was spent through KBank cards, making the bank the leader in this business. Meanwhile, the statement also said that three new “Hello Kitty Debit Card” designs are launched in the first quarter to celebrate the character’s 40th anniversary. The bank plans to issue at least 500,000 Hello Kitty Debit Cards this year, said the statement. -- BERNAMA