In order not to be overtaken by the wave of mobile banking, Credit Suisse is reacting by offering the Debit Mastercard, which combines the functionality of debit and credit cards into a single card. Above all, Credit Suisse eliminates fees for all transactions abroad. Switzerland's second-largest bank will launch the replacement for the current Maestro card on July 7. Although the new card will offer the same functions as a credit card, payments and withdrawals will be debited from the bank account immediately.
Just like a Maestro-style debit card, it will be possible to make payments at more than 43 million points of sale, to do so contactlessly and to withdraw cash from your account. In addition, payments will also be accepted wherever there's a MasterCard logo, meaning an additional 10 million locations. The big change is the ability to shop on the internet and in mobile applications at no cost. Credit Suisse will not charge a single cent for online payments in Switzerland and abroad.
To secure its offer, the Swiss banking establishment will offer its users the 3D Secure authentication procedure so that they can confirm a transaction via their smartphone. Credit Suisse private clients will also be offered the option of personalizing the Debit Mastercard 24 hours a day from their e-banking account. For example, it is possible to deactivate card use in certain countries or to change the daily and monthly limit.
explains with enthusiasm Anke Bridge Haux, Head of Digitalization & Products at Credit Suisse.
This new card generation will be free of charge for all Credit Suisse clients whose Maestro card is about to expire. In addition, the bank points out that the Debit Mastercard is also available for transaction accounts in foreign currencies (euros, dollars and pounds sterling).
Based on: credit-suisse.com, credit-suisse.com (FAQ)
