October 12, 2006

AFFINBANK First in Malaysia to Launch Debit MasterCard Unembossed Card with Touch ‘n Go Auto Reload Facility

KUALA LUMPUR – Affin Bank Berhad (AFFINBANK) today launched the industry's latest payment option - the AFFINBANK Debit MasterCard Unembossed card.

“AFFINBANK is making history by rolling out the first debit MasterCard Unembossed card and also the first debit card with Touch ‘n Go auto reload facility in the country. The Bank is pleased to be able to leverage on the strong support from MasterCard Worldwide and introduce this innovative product to the Malaysian consumers,” said General (R) Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohd Zahidi Hj Zainuddin, Affin Holdings Chairman in his speech.

The AFFINBANK Debit MasterCard Unembossed card brings all the functionality of a MasterCard debit card with one key difference - It is unembossed.

The MasterCard Unembossed card has been specifically designed for use in electronic terminals. Account information is imprinted so the card cannot be used in a manual imprinter. The ELECTRONIC USE ONLY legend on the card front reinforces that message so consumers understand that merchants will be processing their transactions electronically.

“AFFINBANK is taking the road less travelled by launching a debit MasterCard Unembossed card program which will enhance the existing range of card programs available. With the expansion of AFFINBANK's payment portfolio, it is able to offer cardholders greater choice and better banking options," he added.

The AFFINBANK Debit MasterCard Unembossed card offers cardholders' acceptance at more than 24 million merchant locations around the globe. It also acts as a Bankcard which cardholders can use to withdraw cash at ATMs nationwide and gain cash access at more than 1 million Maestro® and Cirrus®-branded ATM locations globally.

Linked to a savings or current account, the AFFINBANK Debit MasterCard Unembossed card allows cardholders to conduct transactions using their own funds rather than making purchase on credit. After each card transaction, the fund amount will be automatically deducted from the cardholders’ account and reflected in their bank statement with generally no interest charged (unless an overdraft line of credit is activated). This thereby gives cardholders the added benefit of always knowing how much money they have in their account.

Malaysian consumers can now enjoy better deposit access thus giving younger Malaysians, a payment card with the same functionality of a credit card, providing hassle free convenience.

With the rollout of the AFFINBANK Debit MasterCard Unembossed card, AFFINBANK aims to be the number one debit card issuer in the country.

The new AFFINBANK Debit MasterCard Unembossed card will also offer a rebate of 0.5% for every Ringgit charged, including extending to its cardholders special discounts at AFFINBANK's participating merchants and free travel insurance coverage.

To celebrate the launch, a 42” plasma TV, a notebook computer and a camcorder will be given away to three lucky winners with the grand prize winner driving away with a brand new Honda City. The contest will run for a period of three months from the date of the launch.

For more information on the AFFINBANK Debit MasterCard Unembossed, please contact our Call Centre at 03-5522 3000.

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