“Members tell us they want it. Why not? This card will be a winner. So, they’re getting it!” said Mr Neo Gim Kian, NTUC’s Director of Membership Department. “I only want to remind our new cardholders: Do spend wisely.”

Fresh from the bank on 6 September 2004, more than 430,000 union members will stand to benefit from the introduction of the NTUCOCBC Visa Card, which was launched by National Trades Union Congress Secretary- General Lim Boon Heng.

In a pre-launch exercise, about 1,500 members have signed up for the credit or debit cards.

“NTUC Link Card holders are already enjoying a long list of benefits and earning LinkPoints from more than 600 retail outlets we’re associated with. With either NTUC-OCBC Visa Credit/Debit Card, members can use and earn LinkPoints at more than 20 million establishments worldwide,” said Mr Ryan Cheong, General Manager of NTUC Link Private Limited.

Every $3 charged to either card will earn the member 1 LinkPoint. LinkPoints can also be earned when either card is used for OCBC Bank product transactions such as private and HDB housing loans, auto loans, Prestige Credit, unit trusts and structured deposits.

“With this card, I can earn LinkPoints and redeem hip gifts and services. And, the best part is I can earn LinkPoints while I’m overseas, too,” said Miss Amy Ong, who applied for her card during the pre-launch last month.

Whether at home or overseas, the card can also be used for cash advances. When abroad, look out for any bank that displays the Visa Plus logo. In Singapore, head for an OCBC Bank Branch or OCBC ATM.

“What I’m excited about is the 50 instant chances to win a Jaguar S-Type at the OCBC Luxury Car Draw and my eligibility to win the Million Link Points Draw in December. Even if I don’t win a big prize, the NTUC-OCBC Credit Card is a great card to have because I plan to go overseas before the end of the year and by charging my air tickets in full to the card, I can enjoy free personal travel accident insurance of $250,000,” said Mr Jeremy Lee, an avid traveller.

Until 1 December 2004, new NTUCOCBC Credit Cardholders stand to get an immediate 1,500 LinkPoints. An additional 1,500 will be given if Prestige Credit is approved. Letters for redemption will be sent to those who qualify.

To welcome the union member as an NTUC-OCBC Visa Cardholder, a gift pack containing goodies and vouchers from Renewal Day Spa/Spa Haven, Hotel Phoenix, Reds Hair Salon/ Kimage Salon, Hard Rock Cafe/ Senses Western Fusion Restaurant, Orchid Country Club, Aranda Country Club, NTUC Clubhouse, Rendevous Hotel and Poh Heng Jewellery will be given.

“Our partnership with OCBC Bank results from a mutual desire to bring about a better life and better benefits for union members,” said Mr Cheong. “

This is reflected in the design of the card. It is the first transparent Visa Electron card. The illustration of one hand reaching for another symbolises that the union is here to help workers. It also aptly describes OCBC Bank’s commitment with us to serve the community. It has agreed to contribute to charity 1 per cent of the NTUC-OCBC Visa Card annual card spend, subject to a maximum of $250,000 a year, for the next five years.”

The transparent feature is also attractive to another new cardholder, Mr Steve Tan.

“The card has a different character when placed against a different coloured background – and it looks best against black, the most used colour for wallets,” he said.

Mr Cheong said the offer for the cards take-up is optional.

“It is an additional benefit and does not replace the NTUC Card. It will, however, allow union members to show their support for the labour movement. With these cards, members can earn LinkPoints faster and start enjoying the redemption of goods and services earlier.”

Another new cardholder, Miss Josephine Toh, said: “I joined the union because I could get representation at my workplace. Over the years, NTUC has added more and more benefits for us to enjoy. But, this NTUC-OCBC Visa Card is the ultimate – union membership now has even more privileges.”