Citibank marks the 20th anniversary of its co-branded partnership with retail chain Makro by giving the design of the Citi Makro Credit Card an “updated” look and launching a promotional Video content featuring a Thai TV personality. The redesign of the exclusive Citi Makro Credit Card will be launched in October.
Mr. Pratik Bhattacharjee, Head of Credit Cards & Loans of Citibank, comments that the new-look Citi Makro Credit Card aims to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Citi’s long-standing co-branded partnership with Makro.
“The Citi Makro Credit Card marks Citi’s long-standing partnership with Makro that continues to thrive thanks to both companies’ efforts to ensure sustainable business growth while benefiting Thai society in the long term. It remains the only credit card that gives point for every payment at Makro hypermarkets. Together Citi and Makro share core values and vision in an attempt to bring greater convenience and benefits to our customers and Thai society in many ways,” said Pratik.
The redesign aims to widen the Citi Makro Credit Card’s demographics and increase card usage. The card targets new-generation entrepreneurs aged 30-40, parents of a large family and young-generation consumers in the early stages of their career who love throwing a party with friends at home. These customers are big spenders with potential to grow into a sustainable segment, thanks to Makro’s affordable products that represent hundreds of brands.
Since its launch in 1999, the Citi Makro Credit Card has been the credit card of choice for Makro customers.
“Makro joined forces with Citi to relaunch the Citi Makro Credit Card way back in 1999 when hypermarkets started to become part of everyday life. Together we share core values and vision that have contributed to our sustainable business growth. The Citi Makro credit card is the only credit card used and earn points at Makro hypermarkets. Makro still upholds our vision to be number one food solution provider for professional customers by offering a full assortments of quality products at wholesale prices – affirming our position as a trusted partner for our customers nationwide. With the redesign and the multitude of benefits, we’re hoping that these will boost card usage and shopping at Makro,” says Ms. Thanyamas Vorachart, Chief Financial Officer of Siam Makro Public Company Limited.
The redesign represents the credit card’s second overhaul since Citi and Makro formed a long-term partnership with Makro and jointly launched the credit card in 1999. The new card face combines elegance and style, underscoring its energetic and youthful character. Inspired by the geometric shapes of the cityscape, the card face adopts a dark and grey color scheme with seek raised lines. It features the same logos with the Citi logo’s lettering now in white instead of blue, and the red Makro logo remaining unchanged. The result is a credit card that looks more stylish and modern.
The new-look Citi Makro Credit Card gets across the message that it offers the best value, makes every grocery shopping more enjoyable and brings even greater freedom of shopping to customers.
The credit card’s image revamp comes at a time when Thailand has relaxed the lockdown restrictions to stimulate domestic spending and give a much-needed boost to the economy. Due to the spread of Covid-19, the retail sector has faced major disruptions to business operations and supply chains. Ms. Thanyamas says that as social distancing becomes the new normal, Makro has upped its game by investing in hygiene and safety at all branches of Makro hypermarkets.
“With businesses reopening as a result of the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, Makro strictly follow the official health and safety guidelines. All social distancing guidelines and hand sanitizers are in place, as well as signs and markings related to Covid-19. We pay greater attention to every aspect of our business operations and supply chains to ensure that cleanliness and health and safety of our customers and staff remain a top priority,” said Ms. Thanyamas.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of both brands’ flourishing partnership, the new-look Citi Makro Credit Card comes with promotions and multiple benefits.
Citibank has an acquisition promotion running during the 20th anniversary celebration period from 1 October 2020 to 31 December 2020. Customers applying for the card online during the period are entitled to a Citi Makro 20th Anniversary Shopping Bag worth THB999 when spending THB2,000 or more within 30 days after the card approval date.
The Rewards points are timeless with no expiry date. Customers also get a complimentary 5,500 Rewards points when spending THB5,000 or more within 30 days of the card approval date. They can redeem 500 Rewards points for a THB5,590 20-inch Ultimate Trolley Bag.
Cardholders earn 1X Rewards point for every THB100 spending at Makro and for every THB25 spending outside Makro. Exclusively for the 20th Anniversary campaign period only, cardholders will earn 2X Rewards points for every spending of between THB20,000 and THB70,000 per month. Plus, when spending THB5,000, THB30,000 and THB50,000 on www.makroclick.com, customers are offered a cashback of THB100, THB1,000 and THB2,000 respectively.
Furthermore, customers can also enjoy Pay With Points at Makro. Every Baht spent at Makro, there will be an SMS trigger to redeem existing Citi rewards points for a cash rebate up to 100%.
The criteria for card membership eligibility include a minimum salary of THB15,000. Annual fees are THB1,900 and THB950 (for a supplementary card). The annual fee is waived for the first year of membership.
The redesign of the Citi Makro Credit Card coincides with Citi and Makro’s joint launch of a promotional video content featuring Thai actress Sriphan “Ohn” Chunechomboon to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their long-standing partnership. The video content will be shown on both brands’ social media platforms to drive their marketing campaigns.
