Bahrain-based Islamic retail bank Ithmaar has introduced a full suite of new Sharia-compliant MasterCard credit cards.

The new credit cards, which are tailored to meet the specific requirements of Ithmaar customers, are being introduced as part of the bank's commitment to listening to, and delivering on, customer expectations, said the bank in a statement.

A total of three all-new credit cards - MasterCard Gold, MasterCard Gold Plus and MasterCard Titanium - were unveiled following the joint Ithmaar Bank MasterCard announcement, and offer a range of extended features and benefits.

The new cards offer Ithmaar Bank customers free worldwide takaful travel insurance as well other terms including, for example, a minimum repayment of only five per cent of the ending balance within 25 days from the statement date, it stated.

The cards offer immediate access to more than 2.5 million automated teller Machines and are welcomed at more than 35.9m outlets around the world.

"Ithmaar is determined to become the region's premier Islamic retail bank," remarked Ithmaar Bank general manager, retail and private banking, Abdul Hakeem Al Mutawa.

"We recognise that, to do so, we must listen closely to our customers and we must deliver on their expectations," he said.

"The new suite of credit card solutions, which was developed in co-operation with MasterCard to meet the specific demands of our customers, does just that," he added.

Describing the MasterCard launch as a major step, CEO Ahmed Abdul Rahim said Ithmaar continued to invest heavily in developing its products and services while also working to be closer to its customers.

MasterCard Worldwide VP and Bahrain country manager Somu Roy said: "In addition to offering a host of benefits, including exceptional security and worldwide acceptance, the Gold and Gold Plus cards offer customers access to a unique collection of experiences -including dining, shopping, travel and entertainment offers - that were especially curated for MasterCard cardholders as part of the Priceless Arabia programme."

Ithmaar said it will also provide free supplementary cards to immediate family members of the primary cardholder, as well as exclusive discounts through MasterCard and free access to selected airport lounges for Titanium credit card holders.-TradeArabia News Service