PETALING JAYA: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) aims to achieve about RM2.5 billion in debit card electronic transactions or a 60% growth in its current financial year ending June 30, 2010, said its executive vice president and head of cards and payments Ashraf Ali Abdul Kadir.

He said that for the period from July 2009 to January 2010 the value of Maybank’s debit card electronic transactions stood at RM1.6 billion.

“The growth was driven by campaigns with various partners to promote debit transactions as well as offers of rewards for payments via Maybank debit or credit cards,” he told reporters at launch of the bank’s latest card campaign in collaboration with Gloria Jean’s Coffee earlier today.

According to Ashraf, Maybank is a leader in promoting cashless transactions using debit cards with an average monthly debit card spend of RM200 million.

He said in the last six months, debit billings registered a 71% growth compared to the previous six months.

“Maybank’s leadership in debit cards is reflected in our card base which represents 48% of the total issued in the country,” he added.

On the campaign with Gloria Jean’s which started today and ends June 30, Maybank debit and credit cards users will be able to enjoy special rewards and discounts on beverages and food at Gloria Jean’s outlets nationwide.

Ashraf said expanding card convenience to cafes also fulfilled the growing lifestyle needs of customers. He added that this special deal for debit card payments would expand the range of services for debit cards particularly.

“Through promotions such as this latest campaign, we are seeing an uptrend in debit card being used for payments,” he said.

In addition, for every cup of coffee purchased with Maybank debit or credit card, 50 sen will be donated to the Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-kanak Kanser (Peka).

Meanwhile, Gloria Jean’s Coffee master franchiser of Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie said Gloria Jean’s Coffee had always been supporting efforts in promoting positive lifestyle.

"We are delighted when we had this opportunity to promote the usage of debit cards among our guests,” said Ahmad, who is also
chairman of Malaysian International Franchise Sdn Bhd (Myfranchise).