UOB and Mastercard partner on SME payments card
UOB and Mastercard have announced the launch of the UOB Regal Business Metal Card, Asia Pacific’s first World Elite Mastercard Business metal card designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In creating the card, Mastercard and UOB conducted face-to-face interviews and surveys with senior executives in SMEs to have a deeper understanding of how commercial cards can enable them to do more with their business spend.
The research found that travel and entertainment top the list of business spend for close to 70% of the respondents. Three in four SME senior executives surveyed said that they travel up to twice every quarter, spending an average of US$4,800 a month on business-related travel. Respondents also said they spent an average of US$2,300 a month on business entertainment, such as golf sessions and meals with clients.
Given these insights, the UOB Regal Business Metal Card was designed to offer a suite of travel privileges typically not available with commercial credit cards. For example, the card offers business executives unlimited access to airport lounges so that they can work in comfort or rest and refresh while on the go. To help reduce their business entertainment expenses, the UOB Regal Business Metal Card also offers complimentary access to 60 golf clubs around the world.
Key features of the UOB Regal Business Metal Card Upon signing up for the card, card members will receive a one-year ‘Accor Plus’ Membership, Accor Hotels’ Asia-Pacific loyalty programme at more than 800 hotels and 1100 restaurants. Card members will enjoy dining discounts of up to 50% and can access an exclusive ‘Stay 4, Pay 3’ accommodation privilege at any of the participating hotels. The card also includes complimentary membership with other loyalty programmes such as Voyager by Langham Group and Discovery Black by Global Hotel Alliance.
This is the third collaboration between UOB and Mastercard in Singapore this year. The two recently worked together to launch the KrisFlyer UOB co-branded credit card and the newly-revamped UOB Lady’s Card.
