January 13: Himalayan Bank Limited, in partnership with Mastercard, has announced the launch of chip and pin-based Mastercard Debit Card for its customers. The bank said in a statement that the Himalayan Bank Mastercard Debit Card (Domestic) offers cardholders discounts of up to 20 percent on purchases at selected merchants including hotels, restaurants, pubs, clothing stores within the country.

As a part of the launch offer, the bank is issuing Mastercard branded debit cards without any charges to new account holders. The bank said it is also offering attractive cash backs on POS transactions within Nepal.

Ashoke SJB Rana, chief executive officer of Himalayan Bank, and Porush Singh, division president of Mastercard for South Asia, formally launched the debit card at a press meet organized at the corporate office of the bank on Friday, January 11.

Commenting on the initiative, CEO Rana said, “We are pleased to partner with Mastercard in Nepal. Our partnership with Mastercard is based on our mutual belief and commitment in bringing unparalleled value to our customers.” He further added that the card will be secured with chip and PIN and can be used at most of the ATM and POS terminals across Nepal and in India.

Meanwhile Singh said, “Nepal has been making rapid advances towards digitisation. Mastercard is privileged to support this journey with the launch of the Himalayan Bank Mastercard Debit Card in partnership with Himalayan Bank. It is our strong belief that debit cards are the bedrock of a digitally empowered society. This product will encourage people to experience the convenience, safety and security offered by digital payments. It is also a testimony of Mastercard’s commitment to enable a less cash economy in Nepal.”

Customers can obtain the Himalayan Bank Mastercard Debit Card from all 57 branches of Himalayan Bank Limited and can be used without any charges at all the 111 ATMs of HBL. Customers can also use the card without any charges for POS transactions in Nepal and India.