HLB Relaunches New Gold Credit Card That Offers Life Time

Once again, Hong Leong Bank (HLB), a leading credit card issuer in Malaysia, is making a mark in the industry as it relaunches its gold card today.

“In our strategic move to maintain a strong foothold in the competitive credit card market, Hong Leong Bank is bringing value innovation to the marketplace. The relaunch of Hong Leong’s Gold Credit Card will set the stage for the bank to spearhead our focus on mass market penetration, bearing consumers’ best interests in mind,” says HLB’s Group Managing Director, Ms Yvonne Chia, in her welcome speech. <>Indeed, the Enhanced Hong Leong Gold Card is in the cardmembers’ best interests for life. It is the first credit card in the local market to offer cardmembers an incredibly low rate of 6.99% p.a. for life, on their first balance transfer program. This means that, at a fixed interest rate of 6.99% p.a., cardmembers are given an unlimited period to pay off all their entire balance transferred for the first time from their other card to the Hong Leong Gold Credit Card.

And for a limited period from 16 June to 31 August 2006, new Gold cardmembers get to enjoy 2% savings in cash advance fee when they make their first cash advance transaction, i.e. instead of the usual 5%, they will only be charged 3% on the cash advance amount (or minimum RM10, whichever is higher).

Another attractive benefit is a high credit limit which may be offered to match the financial needs of new cardmembers.

Targeted at those who are yet to become Hong Leong credit cardmembers, our Gold card offers many great benefits, including:

• Extra Reward Points – cardmembers who consolidate their banking needs with HLB can collect extra Reward Points for gift redemption from not only their credit card but also from their One Account, home loan account or car financing account which they have with the bank.

• Travel Protection Plan – when cardmembers charge their air tickets to their Hong Leong Gold Card, they are automatically insured for up to RM500,000 via the bank’s Travel Protection Plan. The Plan also reimburses cardmembers for any inconveniences occurred during their travel. This coverage also extends to their immediate family (spouse and children below 23 years old) each time they travel with the cardmembers.

• Free KLIA Ekspres return ticket – each cardmember who purchases economy class air tickets from Hong Leong Travel Services will enjoy a return KLIA Ekspres ticket absolutely free.

• Fee waiver – every new cardmember enjoys a two-year annual fee waiver.

Along with this launch, the bank is also pleased to announce a brand new contest for all HLB credit cardmembers. The “Free Electricity For One Year” contest is in response to current consumers’ concern about the recent electricity tariff hike. Everyday from 16 June to 23 September 2006, one lucky cardmember, who uses the Hong Leong Credit Card to spend RM30 anywhere in a single receipt, stands to win free supply of electricity for one year worth RM1,800. 100 lucky cardmembers will walk away with this useful prize.

Indeed, this new contest adds to the many benefits offered by the Enhanced Gold Credit Card while at the same time is expected to boost the usage loyalty of all Hong Leong Credit Cardmembers. Following the overwhelming response to its “Free Petrol Contest” (ending soon on 30 June 2006), HLB once again drives home the message that it understands the needs and concerns of its customers with this new and exciting “Free Electricity For One Year” contest.

To apply for a Hong Leong credit card, visit any of its 186 branches near you or call 1-800-38-8888.

Press Release - 15/06/2006