12 July 2001

The Bank of East Asia Credit Card "Octopus Automatic Add-Value Service" - A Time-Saving and Convenient Way to Ensure the Cardholder Enjoys a Smooth Transaction Every Time!

This summer, The Bank of East Asia Credit Card brings another sizzling surprise to its existing and future Cardholders - the "Octopus Automatic Add-Value Service, which is jointly presented with Creative Star Limited. Cardholders of The Bank of East Asia Credit Card can apply for the "Octopus Automatic Add-Value Service" and a Personalised Octopus card to enjoy this time-saving and convenient service.

With a Personalised Octopus card that features the Automatic Add-Value Service, the cardholder can travel throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories without worrying about running out of money. Whenever the cardholder uses his Personalised Octopus card at a fare deducting processor, if the stored value is zero or a negative balance is shown, or the remaining value plus the maximum negative value is insufficient to cover the cost of the journey undertaken, the cardholder's Bank of East Asia Credit Card will instantly transfer HK$250 to reload the designated Personalised Octopus card, which will be shown at the fare deducting processor for the cardholder's easy reference.

Whenever the cardholder enjoys the Automatic Add-Value Service, the transaction(s) will be detailed in the cardholder's upcoming Bank of East Asia Credit Card monthly statement. For even greater financial flexibility, the cardholder can also choose to pay the "total balance" before the due date and enjoy up to a 56-day interest-free repayment period.

There is no service charge for the 'Octopus Card - Add-Value Service'. What's more, the cardholder can avoid any queues at add value machines and counters whenever the cardholder needs to reload his Personalised Octopus card. It is so simple and convenient to use too!

Mr. Tong Hon Shing, General Manager & Head of Personal Banking of The Bank of East Asia, Limited said, "We always strive to provide the most innovative services available to our customers, and to continuously enhance service quality level so that our existing and future customers can enjoy a range of seamless services at all times. Our joint collaboration with Creative Star Limited in launching The Bank of East Asia Credit Card "Octopus Automatic Add-Value Service" is an example of our commitment to provide sophisticated banking services to our customers."

"Our alliance with the Bank of East in the provision of the Octopus Automatic Add-Value Service will enable more people to enjoy this convenient service" Mr Rob Noble, Chief Executive Officer of Creative Star remarked, "With the service, Personalised cardholders no longer need to ever worry about running out of Octopus value, nor spend time manually adding value. They can travel and purchase items around Hong Kong hassle-free. "

Octopus was launched in September 1997. Today, more than 7.5 million cards are in circulation, with daily transactions of over 6 million. Creative Star now has over 40 service providers including public transport, car parks, retailing services such as convenience stores, fast food, cake shops, and self-help services like vending, photo booths, photocopiers, as well as leisure facilities and access control for housing estates.

To apply or for further enquiries, please visit any branch of The Bank of East Asia or refer to the related application form, or call our Customer Service Hotline at 2838 2283 or the Octopus Hotline at 2266 2266.

For media enquiries:

Ms. Denise Hui / Ms. Vivian Chan
Card Services Department
The Bank of East Asia, Limited
Tel: 2835 3514 / 2835 3540
Fax: 2893 8858

Ms. Joan Ng
Director of Marketing
Creative Star Limited
Tel: 2266 2226
Fax: 2266 2254

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