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2 February 2010

Bank of China Joins Forces with Octopus to Launch the Automatic Add Value Service for Great Wall International Credit Cardholders in Mainland China


(Shenzhen, 2 February 2010) Octopus Cards Limited has teamed up with Bank of China to introduce the Automatic Add Value Service (AAVS) in mainland China, bringing added convenience to cardholders of Great Wall International Credit Card. With AAVS, mainland customers, particularly frequent travellers between Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangdong province, can enjoy a hassle-free experience when shopping, dining or commuting in Hong Kong.

With AAVS, customers' Octopus will be automatically reloaded whenever the stored value in the Octopus reaches zero or a negative balance, and the amount will be deducted from the designated Great Wall International Credit Card account. Cardholders can avoid the hassle of lining up for cash reloading or the embarrassment of insufficient value on their Octopus to settle transactions. The new service brings increased convenience to mainland China customers in an environment of more travel across the border, rapid economic development in the Pearl River Delta Region, closer ties between Hong Kong and Guangdong province and the multiple entry visa endorsement for Shenzhen permanent residents.

Key features of AAVS for Bank of China Great Wall International Credit Cardholders include:

  • Customers don't need to carry cash and small change as their Octopus will be auto reloaded through the linked Bank of China Great Wall International Credit Card account
  • Octopus is widely accepted by most public transport, retail outlets and convenience stores in Hong Kong
  • Each Octopus can be auto reloaded for an amount of HK$250 once a day
  • Lost card protection is available to AAVS customers
  • Customers can apply for AAVS for their own Octopus plus up to three Octopus cards and products for their friends and relatives

AAVS is offered to mainland residents holding a Bank of China Great Wall International Credit Card and an Octopus. To register for the service, customers simply need to fax the completed application form, together with a copy of their identity card, to the Bank of China Great Wall International Credit Card customer services centre.

Customers who successfully apply for the AAVS service on or before 31 December 2010, and have an auto-reload transaction on or before 30 June 2011, will be entitled to a free spending credit of HK$30 on their Great Wall International Credit Card.

About Octopus Cards Limited

Launched in 1997, Hong Kong's Octopus is the world's leading and most extensive smart card payment system, with over 2,500 service providers across different businesses including public transport, parking, retail, vending and kiosks, schools and leisure facilities, and access control for residential and commercial buildings, with over 50,000 Octopus readers deployed in the market. Merchants and Octopus holders embrace Octopus for both its simplicity and its convenience. Today, more than 20 million Octopus cards and products are in circulation, and the system handles over 11 million transactions a day, with transaction value exceeding HK$100 million. In recent years, Octopus has started to export its unique experience and technology overseas, offering consultancy services for parties from different parts of the world. Additional information can be found at www.octopus.com.hk.

About Bank of China Great Wall International Credit Card

Great Wall International Credit Card was first issued by Bank of China in 1998 as the first foreign currency credit card in mainland China in compliance with international standard. Denominated in various foreign currencies, Great Wall International Credit Card is an indispensable financial product to cater different needs like traveling abroad, studying overseas and business trips. For further information, please visit http://www.boc.cn.


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