Kasikornbank launches Visa debit payments on MRT
New system allows commuters to use one card across trains, buses, and expressways
Kasikornbank is collaborating with partners to introduce a Visa debit card payment system for MRT services.
This initiative is aimed at making urban travel more convenient, seamlessly integrating public transportation payments through Kasikorn Visa debit cards across all MRT lines without requiring top-ups.
The service also extends to other public transport systems, including the Airport Rail Link, expressways, and buses operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. Additionally, the cards can be used for contactless payments at petrol stations. Kasikornbank anticipates a significant increase in debit card transactions in the public transport sector, particularly expecting a ninefold growth in payments at MRT stations.
The primary goal of this partnership is to address urban commuters’ needs for a fast and convenient travel experience, eliminating the need for cash, multiple cards, or waiting in line for tokens. With just a Kasikorn Visa debit card, users can make contactless payments across all MRT lines, the Airport Rail Link, expressways, buses, and petrol stations. This system uses EMV Contactless technology to ensure secure transactions.
Kaset Chayong Sakawratthananon, Deputy Manager at Kasikornbank, stated that while mobile banking is becoming increasingly popular in Thailand, the trend for contactless debit card payments is also on the rise. This is particularly evident in daily transactions such as public transportation, petrol stations, shopping malls, and dining.
Research from Kasikorn Research Centre shows that debit card payments constitute approximately 62% of all card payments in Thailand. Currently, Kasikornbank holds over 50% of the debit card market share, and the integration with public transport payment systems is expected to further increase transactions, especially at MRT stations.
Naporn Inkhatanuwat, Senior Marketing Director at Visa Thailand, expressed Visa’s delight in partnering with Kasikornbank, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited. This collaboration aims to enhance urban commuting experiences by facilitating secure and convenient contactless payments using Kasikorn Visa debit cards.
Additionally, a special promotion, Fast Track Savings, is being offered for customers using Kasikorn Visa debit cards to pay for MRT rides from September 1 to November 30. Existing customers using the card for MRT payments can receive a free beverage or movie ticket by registering on the LINE app @kbanklive and meeting specific conditions.
For instance, using the card for MRT payments for five days in a month grants a free KAMU bubble tea worth 70 baht, while 15 days of usage provides a free SF cinema ticket worth 280 baht. New customers can also benefit from the promotion by registering, using their card for MRT payments, and receiving a free McDonald’s burger worth 49 baht upon their first use, according to KhaoSod.
New customers who open a K-eSavings account and apply for a Kasikorn Visa debit card at Kasikornbank booths in four MRT stations: Rama 9, Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit, and Lat Phrao from August 28 to September 27 can receive a 100 baht Central gift voucher, limited to the first 300 customers.
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