Westpac Cook Islands launches Westpac American Express® Credit Cards

Westpac Pacific Banking and American Express announced in Cook Islands today the launch of Westpac American Express Credit Cards for the local market.
American Express and Westpac have signed an agreement, which gives Westpac the exclusive license to issue American Express Cards and to acquire merchants on the American Express global network in seven Pacific Island nations (namely: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Vanuatu). The cards will carry Westpac’s name and Cardmembers will be billed in their local currency so there is no exchange rate conversion on local purchases.
Westpac Pacific Banking will initially offer three cards: one for business clients, one for the consumer market and a Westpac American Express Gold Card for high net worth personal clients.
Cardmembers in Cook Islands will enjoy a comprehensive portfolio of benefits now being offered for the first time in the Pacific market. These include global acceptance by merchants in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide on the American Express global network; twenty-four hour customer service; emergency support services while traveling abroad; access to more than 550,000 ATMs worldwide; and access to more than 2,200 American Express Travel Services Offices in more than 140 countries.
Speaking on the occasion of the Cook Islands’ launch, David Askew, Head of Sales and Service, Pacific Banking, Westpac Bank, said: “We are delighted that our alliance with American Express will open up new opportunities for our customers throughout the Pacific.”
“We believe that the features of the new Westpac American Express Credit Cards will make them a unique and desirable new product,” Mr Askew said.
“The cards will benefit our customers who are looking for convenient ways to pay and manage their finances and they represent the confidence we have in the local Pacific economies. There will also be a number of benefits available to merchants.”
Westpac Bank will be responsible for all operations in support of the new credit cards including customer service, marketing, billing and accounting, credit management and charge authorizations.
Westpac American Express Cards have been launched in Fiji, Vanuatu and now Cook Islands, and will be offered to Westpac customers in other Pacific markets within the next few months.
Ng Siew Choo, Vice President and Region Head, Global Network Services, American Express, JAPA, said the Independent Operator Agreement with Westpac would help expand the American Express brand and network presence into vibrant Pacific markets.
“Westpac is highly regarded and widely recognized as one of the most innovative banks in the Pacific, which makes it an ideal partner, and we are looking forward to a strong and successful relationship,” Ms Ng said.
“The Pacific in general has been and will continue to be an important tourist destination. Economies in the region are dynamic and consumers are savvy, providing an excellent opportunity to offer products and services that support their lifestyle needs,” added Ms Ng.
The agreement with Westpac is part of American Express’ global strategy to expand its business through strategic partnerships with banks in selected markets.
About Westpac
Westpac began operations in the Pacific in 1901 and is licensed to engage in a full range of domestic and international banking activities. With branches and offices in seven countries throughout the Pacific: Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. Westpac focuses on retail, wholesale, corporate and institutional banking clients. It also provides banking services to foreign embassies, and government and non-government organizations.
About American Express
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network Services Company. Founded in 1850, it is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, business services, insurance and international banking
Since 1996, American Express has been aggressively pursuing a strategy of opening its merchant network to third-party issuers around the world. By leveraging its global infrastructure and the powerful appeal of the American Express brand, the Company aims to gain even broader reach for its network worldwide. American Express has now established nearly 110 partnerships in 120 markets.

For more information, please contact:
American Express International Inc.
Craig Dowling
Tel: +64 9 583 8174
Email: craig.h.dowling@aexp.com
Or
Westpac Banking Corporation
David Askew
Head of Sales and Service
Pacific Banking
Tel: +612 82531723

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