Oman Air and Bank Muscat launch feature-packed credit card

His Excellency Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, was the guest of honour at the launch ceremony of the Bank Muscat-Oman Air co-branded credit card at the bank’s head office. AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive of Bank Muscat, Abdul Razaq Al Raisi, Chief Commercial Officer, Oman Air, dignitaries and senior officials of the bank and the national airline attended the event. 

Al Balushi said: “The initiative is a fine example of co-operation between companies aimed at serving customers with niche products and services. The new card encourages electronic payment in line with the government’s e-governance initiative.” 

AbdulRazak Ali Issa, of Bank Muscat, added: “Bank Muscat is delighted to partner with Oman Air to launch this unique co-branded card that marks the beginning of a new collaborative journey between the Sultanate’s leading bank and the national airline. The synergy emanating from this partnership is unparalleled, as the endorsement by Oman’s leading bank and the national carrier ensure the best value proposition for customers. The Bank Muscat-Oman Air co-branded card is a prestige offering designed to elevate the banking and travel experience. The integration of banking and airline services emanating from the card offers a unique proposition to the largest banking and travel community in Oman.” 

The co-branded card creates a vibrant synergy that allows customers to benefit from a world of exclusive privileges and benefits. The spectacular brand recognition offered by the dynamic card unleashes convenience and opens up a window of exclusive rewards while shopping, dining out or travelling anywhere in the world. 

The card offers a slew of benefits and rewards, including membership to Oman Air’s Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme. Notably, benefits accrue on all card transactions. For every Omani Rial spent on the card, cardholders are rewarded with 2 miles on Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme. The accumulated miles can be redeemed for Oman Air tickets. 

Rewards have been lined up to welcome new cardholders. On enrollment, all cardholders will receive a bonus of 1,000 Sindbad miles. The first 500 cardholders will also receive an additional 8,000 Sindbad miles. The annual subscription charge for the card is RO 15.   

The unique imprint of the card reflects an array of distinct lifestyle trends, allowing smooth access to almost everything in a secure environment – travel, entertainment or shopping. Created exclusively for a niche segment, the card is a value-added package aimed at offering a rewarding experience. 

The rewards and facilities extended by Oman Air to Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme members will also be available for the co-branded cardholders. The Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme privileges include dedicated check-in counters at Muscat International Airport, additional baggage allowance on Oman Air flights, discounts at Muscat Duty Free outlets, Majan lounge access, priority baggage status, business class upgrade etc. In addition, cardholders can also earn miles which can be redeemed to purchase Oman Air tickets. The Sindbad Frequent Flyer Programme has over 40 partners offering Sindbad miles on transactions with them. 

The co-branded card dramatically increases the importance of loyalty programmes offered by Bank Muscat and Oman Air to customers. Earlier, travel rewards were earned largely on the basis of tickets purchased from the airline. With the co-branded card, numerous avenues are available for accumulation of Sindbad flying miles. 

Isaac Thomas, General Manager, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, at Visa Inc, said: “We are delighted to partner with Bank Muscat and Oman Air to launch the Bank Muscat - Oman Air Visa Credit Card. The new card is our latest innovative payment solution that rewards cardholders with benefits that have been tailored to their lifestyle facilitating worldwide acceptance, secure online shopping, free travel insurance and 24 hour customer care service. In addition to providing customers a secure and convenient way to access funds while dining, shopping or travelling anywhere in the world, we are confident that the new card will provide frequent flyers in Oman with a unique product that has been developed to reward them.” 

Bank Muscat and Oman Air will establish regular customer communication to enhance the card experience. As a privileged cardholder, customers are entitled to earn and accumulate Sindbad Miles on all card transactions and enjoy fast-tracking to Sindbad Silver Tier. Cardholders will be among a select few for upgrade to the World’s Best Business Class Airline Seat, besides regular and exclusive promotions and offers available through Oman Air and tie-up with leading merchants and retailers. The card spells convenience with worldwide acceptance and facilitates secure online shopping, besides free travel protection insurance and 24 hour customer care.