BLOM Bank re-adds American Express to its card portfolio

BLOM Bank-Lebanon will accept payment cards issued by American Express (AMEX) across its local network of point-of-sale terminals. Cardholders will also be able to settle their statements across the bank’s 72 branches throughout the country.

BLOM and American Express Middle East (AEME) said they have reached an agreement to expand the range of premium payment solutions.

BLOM currently accepts MasterCard and Visa payment cards and will continue its relationship with both issuers.

“The new partnership will enable BLOM Bank customers to apply for The American Express Gold Card and The Platinum Card , and the exclusive American Express Centurion Card will be available by invitation only,” the two sides said in a joint statement.

“This new partnership constitutes a major milestone for BLOM Bank in the development of its leading activities especially in terms of retail banking,” said Saad Azhari, BLOM’s Chairman.

BLOM used to handle AMEX cards 15 years ago but the new deal is on a much broader scale.

All AMEX cardholders from any country in the MENA region will be allowed to settle their over-the-counter payments for free in any BLOM branch, which, according to a BLOM Bank spokesperson, is a unique service.