City Bank and American Express today announced the launch of The Agora American Express® Card. The Card, issued by City Bank has been specially designed to make customers’ lives more rewarding. City Bank has partnered with Agora, one of the largest retail chains having 14 stores across Bangladesh under Rahimafrooz Superstores Limited, to introduce this co-branded credit card.

The Agora American Express Card issued by City Bank offers customized services and benefits to suit the lifestyle needs of the urban spenders in Bangladesh. The Card welcomes members with an amazing Gift Voucher of Agora worth Tk. 2,000 at the very beginning of their journey. Customers will also get an exclusive 10 Aponjon Reward points with every Tk. 100 purchase at Agora superstores. Other benefits include yearly renewal gift voucher, additional gift vouchers upon reaching a certain spend limit, Agora Aponjon Reward points while shopping at numerous stores all over Bangladesh and abroad. The Card members can also avail a host of attractive benefits like shopping and dining offers at premium retailers and restaurants at home and abroad similar to any other American Express Card.

The Agora American Express® Card launch was attended by Mohammed Shoeb, Chairman, City Bank; Tabassum Kaiser, Vice Chairperson, City Bank; Sanjay Rishi, Regional President, International Business Development, One India & Network Partnerships, South Asia and Australia, American Express and Niaz Rahim, Chairman, Rahimafrooz Superstores Limited. Sohail R.K. Hussain, Managing Director & CEO; Adil Islam and Mashrur Arefin, Additional Managing Directors; Majharul Islam, Head of Cards of City Bank; Divya Jain, Vice President & Business Head, Network Partnerships, South Asia, American Express and Farhad F. Ahmad, CEO, Rahimafrooz Superstores Limited were also present at the launch event.

During the launch event, Mohammed Shoeb, Chairman, City Bank said, “The Agora American Express Card will reward our card members with every spend and enhance their shopping experience. Grocery shopping has become a significant part of our everyday lives and this card will make it hassle-free and more rewarding.”

Commenting on the partnership Sanjay Rishi, Regional President, International Business Development, One India & Network Partnerships, South Asia and Australia, American Express said “We are proud to be associated with City Bank, our partner since 2009, a partnership we very much value and respect. We have collaborated well to deliver a greater level of product innovation and premiumization within the Bangladesh Card market and will continue to do so. Today marks a new milestone for American Express & City Bank as we partner with Agora, one of the leading upscale retail chain stores in Bangladesh. The Agora American Express Card will resonate strongly with customers and enable better shopping and lifestyle experience as Agora’s customer profile are similar to our target audience”.

Farhad F. Ahmad, CEO, Rahimafrooz Superstores Limited said, “Agora, American Express and City Bank believe customers are at the core of our business and we place them on the top of our priorities in our daily activities. The support and loyalty of our customers over the years have inspired us to continuously look into new avenues and enhance their experiences with our offerings. This co-branded credit card is the result of such priorities. By using this card, our valued customers can enjoy a unique experience and go beyond their expectations.”

Highlights of the card
a. This co-branded card offers unique benefit where Aponjon Reward points are earned by using the Card, which will be directly credited to customer’s Agora Aponjon account
b. This co-branded card offers fastest earn rate of Agora Aponjon Reward points
c. 1 Aponjon reward point is equivalent to Taka 1 which can be redeemed at any Agora store across Bangladesh
d. The card will act as Loyalty card as well as Credit Card and the same card can be used to redeem Agora points

About City Bank
City Bank, established in 1983, is a first generation private commercial bank in Bangladesh. The Bank has set a standard in its industry by transforming over time from a traditional organization following a conventional banking model to a significantly acclaimed multi-faceted institution. City Bank is a real time online bank ensuring robust service delivery, active alternative delivery area and a well-built IT system. It has a fully ISO-2008 certified back-office and also earned PCI-DSS certification for having a highly secured card management system. The Bank also pioneered the introduction of digital banking in the market with its service known as Citytouch. City Bank currently has the largest card business in the industry and is the sole distributor of the American Express brand in Bangladesh. As a multiple winner of prestigious banking awards from top names like Euromoney, Asian Banker, FinanceAsia, Global Finance, Asia Money etc., City Bank is already recognized as the most reputed transforming institution in the country. For more information please visit: www.thecitybank.com

About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Since 1997, American Express has partnered with a select group of leading banks and financial institutions around the world to issue American Express branded products and acquire merchants onto the American Express merchant network. By leveraging its partnerships, global infrastructure and the powerful appeal of the brand, American Express has gained even broader reach for its network worldwide.

About Rahimafrooz Superstores Limited (Agora)
Rahimafrooz Superstores Limited launched its first ever retail chain, Agora in Bangladesh in 2001. It is one of the largest retail chains in Bangladesh consisting of 14 stores across the country. Agora promises a valuable shopping experience that provides quality and fresh produce at the right price. It aims to consistently provide a valuable shopping experience that improves customers’ quality of life. Hosting more than 10,000 categories of products has made Agora a preferred shopping destination for the city dwellers.