OREANDA-NEWS. May 27, 2009. MasterCard, international payment system, and Barclays Premier – the premium banking offer from Barclays - launched World MasterCard card to the Russian market, reported the press-centre of Barclays Premier.

World MasterCard is an innovative payment offer specifically developed by MasterCard for frequent travellers and those who value comfort and high-quality services. Barclays is the first bank in Russia to issue the World card.

Ilya Riaby, General Manager Moscow office MasterCard Europe said “new times call for new product lines. Today, there are many Russians in the mass-affluent category who travel a lot and frequently pay by card. Customers now expect more than a colored piece of plastic in their wallets – it’s more important for them to know what opportunities this banking product can offer.

“The World MasterCard concept can easily be described as “follow your mind, not your guide”. We are confident that  World MasterCard privileges will be appreciated by those who are used to a dynamic life-style and feel like expanding their horizons”.

Sergey Radchenkov, CEO, Barclays Bank Russia, added “we are proud to be MasterCard’s partner in this innovative project which has no equivalent in the Russian market.

“The card is entirely aligned with Barclays Premier concept and we see this as a great opportunity to introduce an innovative new offer to the market within the Premier segment”.

The World card issued by Barclays Premier offers the following benefits:

World cardholders can enjoy a range of offers which help make travelling as safe and as comfortable as possible. By paying for tickets or hotels using World card the cardholders automatically become covered by medical insurance in case of accident when abroad. Luggage is insured against loss or untimely delivery. The traveller is insured against flight delay. World cardholders are also provided with legal and medical support in case of emergency.

World cardholders have access to the MasterCard Premium Collection - a broad spectrum of special offers in Russia and abroad which includes discounts and gifts when paying via card at restaurants and boutiques, when booking a hotel or renting a car. Other special offers include invitations to private sales, fashion shows and cultural events.

World cardholders become Premier Clients without minimum balance requirements and enjoy exclusive Barclays Premier services and privileges including free access to Premier branches throughout the world. Showing World card issued by Barclays at the entrance of Barclays Premier branches you’ll be let in. Uniquely designed the branches in London, Milan, Madrid, Abu-Dhabi, or Paris offer facilities for both work and leisure: conference halls, meeting rooms, game rooms for kids. World cardholder can drop in without any special reason - just to have a cup of coffee or conduct a business meeting. 

Barclays Premier Charity program with UNICEF: Barclays Premier will be transferring part of its profit from interchange rate for transactions done with World card issued by Barclays Bank to the UNICEF representative office in Russia.

“Being part of Barclays Group we pay special attention to our community. As part of our Premier offer in Russia, Barclays Premier together with its customers will render assistance to the UNICEF representative office in Russia as part of our global community investment partnership project with Unicef to help street kids in Moscow and St Petersburg”, says Sergey Radchenkov, CEO, Barclays Bank Russia.