Singapore’s largest CEPAS card-issuer, EZ-Link, and American Express collaborate to deliver new benefits and rewards to young adults
October 31st, 2012 – EZ-Link Pte Ltd, Singapore’s largest CEPAS card issuer, and American Express today announced a new card-issuing partnership in Singapore and unveiled the first product under the partnership, the EZ-Link Imagine American Express Prepaid Card (or the “Imagine Card”).
The Imagine Card is a multi-functional, contactless prepaid card that comes with two spending purses – EZ-Link’s CEPAS and American Express prepaid – and delivers ease and convenience when making purchases at all merchants who accept either EZ-Link or American Express. The Card comes with EMV Smart Chip, American Express Contactless and magstripe which allow Cardholders to dip, tap or swipe the Card to pay, depending on where they spend at. The Imagine Card perfectly complements the fun and active lifestyle of its core target young adults aged between 17 and 25 in Singapore.
The Smart Payment Choice for Young Adults
EZ-Link and American Express together developed the Imagine mobile app feature, which allows its cardholders to view the latest merchant offers, their card transactions and balances in real-time. Available on Google Play, the app empowers young adults to manage and control their finances via mobile anytime, anywhere.
The Imagine Card is the first American Express-branded, contactless prepaid card in the world, and it is the first American Express-branded product equipped with EZ-Link CEPAS functionality, giving cardholders the convenience of using it for public transit, taxis, Electronic Road Pricing (ERP), with the Electronic Parking System (EPS) and at an extensive network of merchants accepting EZ-Link in Singapore.
The Imagine Card is also the first prepaid card in the market that can be integrated with the EZ-Link Season Pass, which offers unlimited bus travel and up to four train journeys per day.
Extensive Collection of Privileges & Perks
The Imagine Card is packed with attractive privileges, discounts and perks catering to young adults, including:
- 2% rebates on the amount spent at selected retail and dining merchants, including Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Royal Sporting House, Takashimaya Food Hall, Shaw Theatres, Swensen’s, Gloria Jeans, and Pasta Fresca;
- 2% savings on international shipping with globaleshop, an online shopping delivery service, courtesy of American Express;
- Access to over hundreds of American Express SELECTS® merchant offers worldwide exclusive to American Express Cardmembers
In addition, to encourage a heart of volunteerism, Imagine Cardholders get to enjoy 10% savings on volunteerism travel packages from Volunteering Solutions.
Introductory Offers
For a period of three months from 1 November 2012, Imagine Cardholders can purchase the EZ-Link Season Pass at an introductory price of S$97 (usual price is S$170) at TransitLink ticket offices, thereby enjoying significant cost savings for public transit comparable to that offered by student concession cards. EZ-Link will also be giving away on a weekly basis free Imagine Cards (valued at $50 each) at selected TransitLink ticket offices island-wide. The selected locations will be announced via the Imagine Facebook page (www.facebook.com/imaginecard) a day before the giveaway.
In addition, every month from now until 30 September 2013, Cardholders have a chance to win a trip for two and S$500 spending money for their holiday by charging their expenses to the Imagine Card.
Cardholders will also be invited to the JUICE 14th Anniversary ’90s Flashback’ Party presented by the Imagine Card on Saturday, 10 November 2012, from 9 pm till 12 mn at Zouk.
Purchase and Top Up Details
Interested applicants can apply and purchase the Imagine Card at www.imaginecard.com.sg or visit any TransitLink ticket office for an over-the-counter purchase from 1 November 2012 onwards. The Imagine Card will be sold at S$50 of which S$40 will be loaded into the Imagine spending purse.
Cardholders can top up the Imagine Card via multiple channels, including online, at www.imaginecard.com.sg and AXS Stations, with more channels to be added in the future.
EZ-Link’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nicholas Lee, said, “EZ-Link is excited about the launch of the EZ-Link Imagine American Express Prepaid Card. This is yet another significant milestone for EZ-Link, as it brings the EZ-Link card far beyond being just a transportation card. Combining the benefits of EZ-Link and American Express into one contactless, prepaid card, the Imagine Card presents powerful new propositions to the young millennials, empowering them with exceptional privileges and benefits. Through this prepaid card, we are also providing a new way to help young adults manage and control their expenses.”
Mr. Kula Kulendran, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Network Services for Japan, Asia-Pacific and Australia of American Express said, “The launch of the Imagine Card is a key milestone in the long-term growth strategy for the Global Network Services business in Singapore. American Express has been investing in contactless technology and infrastructure in Singapore, and we are excited to have our first contactless prepaid product launch in the market. We believe the Imagine Card will enable us to reach out to a new segment of young and digital savvy consumers. We are privileged to partner with EZ-Link, an indispensable part of many Singaporeans’ daily life. With the combined strengths of the EZ-Link and American Express, we can help offer greater choice and convenience to consumers and expand the benefits of both EZ Link and the American Express brand to a broader base of consumers in Singapore.”
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About EZ-Link Pte Ltd
EZ-Link Pte Ltd was formed on 8 January 2002. Its core business is the clearing and settlement of all EZ-Link card transactions generated in transit and non-transit (retail/merchant) environments, as well as the sale, distribution and overall management of EZ-Link cards. To date, more than 12 million new CEPAS-compliant EZ-Link cards have been issued. This is in tandem with the government’s plan to promote cashless payments in Singapore. In line with this vision, the new EZ-Link card is now also accepted as a mode of payment for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) and at carparks fitted with the Electronic Payment System (EPS) when used in the dual-mode in-vehicle unit.
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 1996, American Express has been pursuing a strategy of opening its merchant network and card product portfolio to third party issuers around the world. By leveraging its global infrastructure and the powerful appeal of the brand, American Express has gained even broader reach for its network worldwide. American Express has now established 146 partnerships in 159 markets across the world. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com/gns.