Emirates NBD and RTA launch Go4it Visa Gold Debit Card

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) today launched the Go4it Visa Gold Debit Card. The launch of the co-branded Visa Debit Card follows from the success of the Go4it Credit Card, which was launched last November. The Go4it Visa Gold Debit Card is again a first of its kind in the region,with the proprietary Nol transit application that can be used for making payments on the RTA transit network and at parking meters.
“Globally, usage on Debit Cards has been increasing steadily over the last couple of years, and this trend has begun to be reflected in the UAE as well,” said Suvo Sarkar, General Manager, Retail Banking, Emirates NBD. “Following the successful launch of the Go4it Credit Card last year, we at Emirates NBD believe it is important to extend the benefits of the dual card to our Debit Card users. In addition to meeting the needs of regular users of Dubai’s public transport systems, the “Go4it” Gold Debit Card incorporates a variety of benefits and advantages that meet the specific requirements of our customers.”
The Go4it Debit Card addresses the needs of mass transit customers. Initially the card will be offered to the Personal Banking customer segment at Emirates NBD. Existing customers will also be able convert to the new Go4it Gold Debit Card, to avail the additional benefits on offer.
“The Go4it Gold Debit Card gives RTA customers added value and a great way to pay for the use of the services by swiping the card at payment points across the transport network,” said Mohammed Al Mudharrab, Director of RTA’s Automated Fare Collection. “The RTA services are world class and it is only fitting that we partner with trusted partners like Emirates NBD to offer value-add for something as secure as payments. This innovative product is an example of our continued investment in user-friendly payment techniques for transport services in Dubai and use of parking meters in the city.”
“For on-the-go commuters and transit operators alike, speed, reliability and convenience are the name of the game and cash and coins have simply become too inefficient. Combining secure, convenient and reliable Visa payments to transit payments is a great example of how Visa can work with partners like ENBD and RTA to improve the usage experience for Dubai commuters,” said Kamran Siddiqi, General Manager, Visa Middle East & North Africa. “Consumers have come to rely on the convenience and security of Visa for everyday purchases, and we want to extend these benefits to their daily commute.”
Users of the“Go4it”Visa Gold Debit Card will get additional monthly benefits, including two Vox cinema tickets for AED 40 instead of the standard price of AED 70, with a free upgrade of popcorn and soft drink. In addition, customers receive a free ferry ride on RTA’s popular tourist attraction, worth AED 75, on every third Friday of the month from Al Ghubaiba station to Burj Al Arab.
“Customer convenience is a key driving factor at Emirates NBD, we understand that customers are looking for new ways to make payments and prefer to carry fewer cards,” said R. Sivaram, Senior Vice President and Head of Cards Business, Emirates NBD.“With the “Go4it” Gold Debit Card, we continue to offer customers security, convenience and value across the entire stream of payment categories, while also facilitating them to meet their payment requirements in real time.”
The Go4it Visa Gold Debit Cardis available for customers starting July 1st 2012 offering the ultimate convenience, security and rewards to make you just Go4it!
Background Information
Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD, the leading banking group in the region, was formed on 19 June 1963, when H.H. Late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum signed the Charter of Incorporation of the National Bank of Dubai (NBD) which became the first National Bank established in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With the blessings of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, NBD merged with Emirates Bank International (EBI) on 06 March 2007, to form Emirates NBD, the largest banking group in the region by assets. On 16 October 2007, the shares of Emirates NBD were officially listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM). The merger between EBI and NBD to create Emirates NBD, became a regional consolidation blueprint for the banking and finance sector as it combined the second and fourth largest banks in the UAE to form a banking champion capable of delivering enhanced value across corporate, retail, private, Islamic and investment banking throughout the region.