The Yuchengco Group’s Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC), through RCBC Credit Cards, has teamed up with Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. (SMBC Group) to provide RCBC Credit Card Mastercard and Visa premium cardholders access to 49 Lounges at 34 Airports in Japan.
In a statement, RCBC said this collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the travel experience for RCBC Credit Card holders, offering unparalleled comfort and convenience during their travel to Japan.
Subject to a qualifying spend, RCBC Credit Card World, Infinite, Platinum Mastercard, and Visa cardholders, including cardholders of co-brand, ZALORA, will gain access to a network of 49 airport lounges located in major airports across Japan, including Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport, and Kansai International Airport, among others.
Lounge amenities include comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi, and dedicated assistance to ensure a seamless travel experience.
SMBC Group is Japan's top tier financial institution renowned for its exceptional customer service and innovative offerings.
"We are excited about this collaboration and what it has to offer our valued RCBC Credit Card holders. This partnership underscores our commitment to providing our esteemed clients with exclusive privileges and superior experiences that add value to their lives,” RCBC Credit Cards President and CEO Arniel Vincent B. Ong said.
SMBC Group Head of the Asia Growing Markets Department Nobuhide Yokogaki said that, “As SMBC Group, through the partnership with RCBC, our enthusiasm to support and serve better the financial needs of the Filipino consumers is undoubtedly an endless journey.”
“This announcement marks the very beginning of it and we look forward to continuously sharing further advancements in the near future,” he added.
To kickstart this enhanced travel experience in Japan, from April 15 to July 15, 2024, principal cardholders will enjoy free access to the participating lounges by simply presenting their eligible RCBC Credit Card at the lounge entrance.
No prior reservation is required, allowing travelers to relax and unwind before their flights with ease.
“Japan is a top destination for our cardholders so we’d like their travel to be truly exceptional through their RCBC Credit Card,” Ong added.
RCBC Credit Card is one of the Philippines' fastest-growing issuers. Its year-end receivables grew 48percent from P50.4 billion in December 2022 to P74.7 billion in December 2023, fueled by a 45 percent increase in credit card spending, reaching P139.4 billion from P96.3 billion in 2022, and credit cards in force reaching 1 million.
It also received international accolades including Credit Card of the Year - ASEAN at the Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2023, Best Credit Card Initiative – Highly Commended at the Retail Banker International Asia Trailblazer Awards 2023, and Outstanding Digital CX at the Digital CX Awards 2023.
Moreover, the Asian Banking & Finance Awards 2023 honored RCBC Credit Cards with the Credit Card Initiative of the Year - Philippines award.