JCB delivers better security, total experience to global card members
Credit-card industry pioneer offers flexibility and services of the highest quality
Country Business Reports interviews and articles by Discovery Reports www.discoveryreports.com
Driven by the surge of Japanese tourists travelling the world in the 1980s, Tokyo-based credit card industry pioneer JCB started global operations by acquiring merchants initially at popular destinations. Nearly 55 years since its launch, JCB now has more than 91 million card members – about 20 million of whom are outside Japan – already shopping at more than 29 million merchants in 190 countries and territories.
“Beyond a distinctive brand value, JCB offers flexibility that meets the particular needs of every market and every JCB partner to provide the highest quality services and drive the growth of JCB’s global customer network,” says JCB International president and chief operating officer Koremitsu Sannomiya. “This means providing consistently simple, safe and one-of-a-kind ways that our members can enjoy in their travels and life experiences.”
This commitment is demonstrated at every JCB Plaza – the card’s overseas service counter available at more than 62 locations around the world – where members can ask for guidance regarding their travels. From restaurant discounts to spa, massage and golf privileges, JCB Plaza also provides a comprehensive selection of special offers. This is complemented by JCB’s car rental service through Hertz Rent-a-Car in more than 60 countries, and 24-hour toll-free call centre available in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
Recognising Asia-Pacific among its fastest-growing markets, JCB has been working to strengthen and expand its business. In the last three years, JCB card members in Asia-Pacific outside Japan have nearly doubled. In addition to nine countries and territories, the company has started issuing JCB cards in Bangladesh, Laos and Mongolia, and is planning to issue new cards in more countries, including Cambodia, India and Myanmar, in the near future.
JCB is now seeking to create new payment solutions and programmes such as mobile near field communication, tokenisation and host card emulation. These, among other services developed especially for local and Japanese members, demonstrate JCB’s commitment to the region and its increasingly mobile and technology-savvy clients, merchants and other partners worldwide.
“We also understand how the mobile market is becoming more relevant to our customers – that is why we look forward to working with more local banks and other partners, particularly in Southeast Asia, to provide a secure payment environment by utilising technologies such as mobile payment solutions and payer authentication programmes,” Sannomiya says. “JCB card members and partners can rest – and travel the world – assured that we will continue to improve our services and benefits.”