Ithmaar Bank, an Islamic retail bank based in Bahrain, has signed a MoU with leading global logistics solutions provider Aramex to offer its cardholders a discounted lifetime Aramex “Shop and Ship” membership, as well as exclusive discounts on shipping charges.

Luai Alagha, the general manager for Aramex (Bahrain) and Ithmaar Bank general manager (Retail and Private Banking) Abdul Hakeem Al Mutawa, signed the MOU at a ceremony held at the Ithmaar Bank headquarters in Seef.

As part of the agreement, Ithmaar Bank eCard and credit card holders will now receive up to 10 per cent discount on shipping charges from the Aramex’s “Shop and Ship” website by using special discount codes that are available at the Ithmaar Bank website.

Ithmaar said its customers can also subscribe for a lifetime Aramex “Shop and Ship” membership at a heavily discounted cost of $5 to $10.

“With purchases made online, eCard and Credit Card holders will also accumulate Ithmaar Rewards loyalty points with each transaction,” said Al Mutawa. “This allows cardholders to redeem the points online and choose between 700 airlines, 150,000 hotels and car rental services,” he added.

"This agreement with Ithmaar Bank reaffirms Aramex’s commitment to further growing the e-commerce sector, both locally and globally. The partnership now provides more customers with a highly efficient and convenient online shopping solution," said Hassan Mikail, the chief e-commerce officer at Aramex.

Ithmaar, he said, had earlier announced its new eCard, which offers unique features and benefits, including real-time top–ups through Ithmaar Bank’s eBanking or ePayment platforms, as well as a daily top-up and utilisation limit of BD10,000 ($26,326), and a minimum top-up of only BD1.

Al Mutawa said the new eCard also allows users to join Bahrain’s most rewarding loyalty programme, Ithmaar Rewards, and accumulate loyalty points with each transaction to be redeemed online through the Bank’s website.-TradeArabia News Service