BLOM Bank sal Launches the
BLOM MASTERCARD GIVING AFFINITY CARD
In collaboration with the Lebanese Mine Action Center, a unit of the Lebanese ARMY
Card Program, the First of its Kind in the Middle East & Levant
Beirut, May 20, 2010: BLOM Bank today launched its BLOM MasterCard Giving Affinity
credit card. The card will be offered either as a Gold MasterCard® or Titanium MasterCard™
card, and will combine the benefits of a MasterCard credit card, with the ability to donate to the
Lebanese Mining Action Center, a unit of the Lebanese Army, that is in charge of demining the
Lebanese territory. Donations are made whenever BLOM MasterCard Giving Affinity
cardholders pay the card’s annual fee and whenever cardholders use their card for purchases or
for cash withdrawals at ATMs.
The BLOM MasterCard Giving Affinity credit card presents cardholders with the convenience of
a revolving line of credit. Cardholders can use their MasterCard credit card at more than 29.9
million acceptance locations around the world, which includes more than 1.5 million ATM
locations worldwide. The card offers cardholders a rewards program that provides one or more
Golden points for every accumulated amount of US$100 and above when using the card for
purchases. The BLOM MasterCard Giving credit card also provides cardholders the option to
join the BLOM Gifts Program, which offers a wide range of valuable gifts upon making
purchases at merchant outlets.
Additionally, the BLOM MasterCard Giving Affinity credit card also provides cardholders with
a free “Info Santé” card providing 24-hour professional medical assistance over the phone. The
BLOM MasterCard Giving Titanium credit card, which is more exclusive, offers a free
International Discount (IAPA) card, which entitles the cardholder to special discounts at more
than 19,000 hotels and car rental companies around the world.
With this credit card, the Lebanese consumer can benefit from a line of credit while at the same
time supporting a very humane and patriotic cause, which is why BLOM is launching this
program under the slogan: “Shop till you drop the number of mines in Lebanon.”
Basel Eltell, vice president and regional manager, Levant, MasterCard Worldwide said; “As the
first card of its kind in the Middle East and Levant, we are delighted to collaborate with BLOM
Bank to launch a program that supports a worthy cause. Consumers in Lebanon can benefit from
knowing that they are contributing to a noble cause while benefiting from a flexible payment
solution, which also provides a host of benefits through its rewards program. We are confident
that the card will be well-received in Lebanon."
Elias Aractingi, Deputy General Manager and Head of Retail Banking, BLOM Bank sal said:
“This card marks a historic evolution for us, one that adds supporting a worthy cause to our
traditional priorities of superior customer service and added value. Moreover, this card is the
medium for raising awareness among the Lebanese public on the important issue of landmines.”
General Mohammed Fehmi, Director of the LMAC said:
“This initiative will not only contribute materially to resolving the problem of landmines, but it
will also raise the awareness of the Lebanese public and show international donors that the
Lebanese private sector is also doing its part in this important effort.”
About BLOM Bank s.a.l.
BLOM Bank sal is a leading regional bank with a Head Office based in Lebanon. BLOM’s
spread has extended to reach several countries. Currently, BLOM is present in Lebanon, Syria,
Jordan, Egypt, Romania, Cyprus, Switzerland, France, The United Arab Emirates, London, KSA
and Qatar. BLOM is the leading Lebanese bank in terms of Retail Banking offerings. For more
information call 961 1 753 000 or visit www.blomretail.com or www.blombank.com/retail.
About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among
financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor,
processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 22
billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to
financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network
and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard
serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more
information go to www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter:@mastercardnews.
About the Lebanese Mine Action Center
The Lebanese Mine Action Center is a unit of the Lebanese Army, which manages mine action
activities in Lebanon and helps ensure the provision of administrative and logistical support to
facilitate the work of all mine action organizations working in Lebanon in accordance with the
National Mine Action End-state Strategies and standards.