Lloyds TSB will be the first bank in Europe to roll-out the new generation of MasterCard's Global and European Premium Collection – a unique selection of premium offerings to MasterCard Gold, MasterCard Platinum and World Signia MasterCard cardholders around the world.
"We are delighted that Lloyds TSB are celebrating 100 days of the pilot phase with the decision to officially roll-out our Premium Collection throughout 2004. It means that hundreds of thousands of cardholders will be able to benefit not only from thousands of euros worth of savings thanks to their MasterCard card, but also privileges and services unique to MasterCard premium cardholders," said Ann Ehlen, MasterCard vice president and head of pay later consumer programmes.
Ann added: "The Premium Collection is unique in the industry in its breadth and exclusivity. This pilot will really test the added value it can bring to Lloyd TSB’s premium cardholders."
As part of the Lloyds TSB pilot, some 300,000 premium cardholders across the UK were mailed for a four month period with exclusive offers from such organisations as Hertz, John Lewis, Cross Pens, Amazon, TM Lewin, Page & Moy, Lonely Planet, Alitalia and Antler Luggage.
Running from September through to end of January 2004, Lloyds TSB continue to survey participating cardholders with indicators already showing an increase in card usage as cardholders take up the offers available.
"It's clear that in the premium market, any offerings we make have to be distinct and carry tangible benefits to cardholders. The quality and scope of the Premium MasterCard Collection is unmatched and we're looking forward to leveraging elements in 2004 that we believe will continue to surprise and delight our customers," said Mark Austin, head of credit card programmes at Lloyds TSB.
The Global Premium MasterCard Collection aims to help member banks increase their MasterCard premium card customer acquisition rates, boost card activation and usage, and improve customer retention. It has been customised according to an analysis of card spend which revealed MasterCard premium cardholders spend more on travel, entertainment, fashion, cars and home furnishings.
In addition to providing the pre-established travel offers, MasterCard also delivers a turnkey solution for customer financial institutions to access associated promotional materials. Participating customer financial institutions can view all information related to the Global and European Premium MasterCard Collection in real-time via MasterCard’s proprietary Program Information Exchange Intelligence (PiXi) which is available exclusively at www.mastercardonline.com.
The user-friendly PiXi, which allows customer financial institutions to download programme and marketing materials to maximize their premium and corporate portfolios, includes Global and European Premium MasterCard Collection program features, helpful guidelines and specific value and offer information.