Nepal's First Co-Branded Debit Card Launched by NMB Bank and Buddha Air

KATHMANDU, Sep 21:NMB Bank and Buddha Air are collaborating to introduce the first cobranded debit card in Nepal. The launch event was held today (Thursday) at Dusit Princess. The event commenced with a symbolic plant watering ceremony, symbolizing the growth of both companies. During the event, the co-branded debit cards were unveiled and distributed to two notable customers, Ajay Ratna Sthapit and Bishnu Prasad Shrestha.

Sunil KC, CEO of NMB Bank, hailed the partnership as a historic milestone in banking and aviation tourism. He outlined key features of the co-branded debit card, including ticket cancellation refunds for Buddha Air flights, a 10% discount at select outlets, and benefits equivalent to the Buddha Air royal membership card. The card offered seamless upgrading for existing cardholders, with plans to automate the process. Additionally, it provided fee-free cash withdrawals at ATMs across Nepal and supported both national and international transactions.

Birendra Bahadur Basnet, Chairman of Buddha Air, expressed sentiments about their long-standing partnership with NMB Bank, dating back to the foundation of Buddha Air 26 years ago. He emphasized the significance of this co-branding and pledged full dedication to the partnership. Basnet also highlighted their collaboration with WeChat in China, enabling Chinese tourists to book Buddha Air tickets directly from China, addressing currency exchange issues. He believed this would boost Nepal's tourism sector and contribute to the national economy.

 

 

With a combined customer base of 18.5 lakh from NMB and numerous more from Buddha Air, the co-branded card promised wide-reaching benefits. The 10% discount was expected to promote domestic tourism, while the card's potential future inclusion of a photograph could serve as a valid ID for domestic travel.

The event witnessed the presence of Roshan Regmi, Chief Retail Banking Officer of NMB Bank, and Rupesh Joshi, Sales and Marketing Director of Buddha Air, along with employees and stakeholders from both companies.