Launching its Visa Platinum credit card on Thursday, July 24, at Devon House, First Global Bank (FGB) invited the public to join its Platinum Circle of cardholders.

The swanky launch served as an opportunity for the bank to introduce the advantages of its new credit card to potential and existing customers.

“Tonight, we are proud to launch a product that reflects our commitment to quality, convenience, and distinction: the FGB Visa Platinum Plus JMD Credit Card,” Terry-Ann Graver, chief operating officer at FGB told the audience.

“The FGB Visa Platinum Plus Credit Card is more than a financial tool – it’s our lifestyle companion, where you never have to choose. Designed with you in mind, this card provides a curated suite of premium luxury benefits tailored to your evolving needs,” she continued.

What’s in that Platinum Circle?

FGB customers using the card can simultaneously earn cashback points on every J$100 spent and travel rewards. The card is also denominated in US dollars, allowing for easy spending internationally and payback locally.

Sashalee Miller, the senior manager for sales, loyalty and product development at FGB, told Our Today that the Visa Platinum card offers holders the advantage of having the best of both worlds without choosing.

“It allows them to get everything all in one card, get them to see the benefits, and why not choose everything?” she asked.

“You know, it’s about work-life balance, so we’re incentivising that. We’re incentivising when you go to the grocery store, and we give you 2 per cent. When you pay your utilities, we’re giving you 2 per cent back. When you go to a restaurant, we’re giving you 2 per cent back and 1 per cent on all other purchases,” Miller continued.

Providing more insights on the travel rewards, Miller clarified that the rewards are not the same as travel points to purchase airline tickets. Rather, they are complimentary experiences that come with booking flights with the FGB Visa Platinum Credit Card.

“You get access to the lounges worldwide via our digital option, which is Visa Airport Companion. You get seven lounge accesses per year. You get to add an additional card holder free of charge, no additional cost, as well as you can book your luxury next-day vacation through your [Visa] Airport Companion app,” she disclosed to Our Today.

FCB customers using the credit card also access Priority Pass service to over 600 airport lounges worldwide, and access to VISA Concierge and VISA Luxury Hotel Collection. Added to this, for car rentals, they receive Auto Rental Insurance coverage for full payment of car rentals with the FGB card, as well as travel accident insurance.

Safety and security

When asked about the safety and security of the card, Miller pointed to the already existing card verification value (CVV) key app, which helps customers automate and authenticate online payments and purchases.

“So, our CVV key app allows or cardholders to enrol their cards, and it replaces the CVV on the card. What that means is that you’ll never have to worry about your online purchases, your code being exposed because that code changes at the blink of an eye,” she explained.

Added to the CVV, FGB also has other forms of authentication. However, the product development manager stopped short of sharing, noting security reasons.

In cases of theft or loss of a credit card, customers can reach out to FGB’s contact centre around the clock.

A stronger partnership

Also commenting on the innovation and security of cards was Frank Gandarillas, head of English and Dutch Caribbean countries at Visa LAC.

“Today marks a milestone that reflects not only innovation, but a shared commitment to meeting the evolving needs of today’s Jamaican affluent consumer. We believe that premium financial tools should be both innovative and secure. That’s why we are especially proud to support FGB in introducing the Jamaican-denominated Platinum Plus card, by offering a high-value option in local currency,” he said.

He added that the “cutting-edge solution” will make everyday transactions faster, safer and more convenient than ever before for Jamaicans.

“Visa is honoured to lead in innovation, convenience and rewards, serving customers globally with a strong commitment to the Caribbean and Latin America. With the introduction of contactless technology, we are transforming the way people in the region pay,” Gandarillas said.

FGB and Visa have had a longstanding partnership.