American Express has struggled to gain market traction and share in Asia, especially in China and southeastern markets.
But that could be changing.
This week the Philippines’ telecommunication company Globe Telecom, through its mobile commerce subsidiary G-Xchange, has teamed up with American Express to launch the very first Amex virtual card in the country.
The virtual card called GCash American Express Virtual Card is an online payment solution that allows Globe GCash users to shop at all US and global online sites that do not ship directly to the Philippines or buy apps, music, and videos from international downloading sites like iTunes (US and Philippines), Google Play and Blackberry App World that welcome American Express.
The tie-up will provide a hassle-free shopping experience for Filipinos as goods bought online through GCash American Express Virtual Card will be delivered to a personalised US address and then delivered directly to their homes in the Philippines for a minimal fee.
Furthermore, customers can also take advantage of thousands of online deals and offers in these sites that are not accessible to Filipino online shoppers.
“G-Xchange is our first telco card-issuing partner in Asia. This launch also represents the first time we are introducing an American Express-branded virtual payment product to consumers in the region, and we are committed to partnering with leaders like G-Xchange to offer innovative new payment products across Japan and Asia Pacific,” said Kula Kulendran, EVP and head of American Express global network services, Japan, Asia Pacific, Australia.
“You can’t shop online, say in Amazon.com, if you don’t have a credit card and even if you do have one, you have to figure out for yourself how to get the goods delivered to the Philippines, since most US online sites only deliver within the US. With the GCash American Express Virtual Card, you simply need your GCash wallet to pay for your purchases,” said G-Xchange president Paolo Baltao.
“We provide you with a personalised US address where your goods can be delivered and from there, you can have them shipped to your address in the Philippines at very low shipping rates,” Baltao added.
“With the new GCash American Express Virtual Card we are giving the Filipino consumer access to US and other global sites,” said Ernest Cu, Globe president and CEO.
To avail GCash American Express Virtual Card, one should register the subscriber’s GCash wallet and email address online at http://www.globe.com.ph/gcash-amex. Once GCash has validated the account, he/she will immediately receive a virtual card number, a personalised US shipping address, and other pertinent information via email.
First-time subscribers get a one month free trial. After the trial, subscribers can continue with the subscription by paying as low as 250 pesos per year via GCash or charge it to their postpaid bill.
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