IHG Launches Credit Card With Shanghai Pudong Development Bank

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Credit Card Center and InterContinental Hotels Group announced the launch of the Priority Club Rewards co-branded Visa credit card in China.

The Priority Club Rewards program is the first and largest reward scheme in the hotel industry.

Kuan Tseng, CEO of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Credit Card Center commented, "We are delighted to be the first bank in China to partner with IHG, one of the world's leading hotel companies, to launch this co-branded credit card. Via in-depth investigation, we recognize the needs of frequent travellers in China are growing. Drawing from the rich experience of Citibank's worldwide co-branded card and through our partnership with IHG, the Priority Club Rewards co-branded Visa credit card will give frequent travellers the easiest and fastest way to earn free hotel stays and access to a wide range of service options that complement their lifestyle. The card's features ensure that the diverse travel demands of customers are better satisfied and they will enjoy an outstanding card experience."

The Priority Club Rewards co-branded Visa credit card's unique benefits are characteristic of the Priority Club Rewards program's commitment towards providing the best value proposition to its members. Classic and Gold Priority Club Rewards Visa cardholders will earn points on everyday spending, double points on all spending in IHG hotels worldwide and bonus points upon activation. Members can redeem Priority Club points not only for free stays in any of IHG's 66 hotels in China and more than 3,700 hotels worldwide, but for airline rewards, store vouchers, Crowne Plaza Golf Rewards, and a variety of spa services throughout Asia-Pacific. Card members can also enjoy discounts with 40,000 special merchants of the Citigroup. The Priority Club Rewards Visa card accumulates value everyday for cardholders' holidays.

"We are pleased to continue IHG's history of innovation in China, which began 23 years ago with the opening of Holiday Inn as one of the first international hotel brands in China," said Tony South, acting chief executive, IHG Asia Pacific. "We were also the first hotel company to launch a Chinese language website, and now our legacy continues as the first global hotel company to launch a co-branded credit card in the market."

With more than 33 million members globally, which includes over 600,000 members in mainland China, Priority Club Rewards, IHG's guest loyalty program, is the largest and fastest-growing program in the industry. In China, its expansion has been fast-paced with a monthly average growth of 15,000 members.