Kasikornbank is teaming up with partners to roll out a Visa debit card payment option for MRT services.
The goal of this project is to enhance convenience for city dwellers by allowing seamless payments for public transport using Kasikorn Visa debit cards on all MRT lines, without the hassle of topping up balances.
The functionality also covers additional public transport options, such as the Airport Rail Link, expressways, and buses run by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority. Moreover, the cards support contactless transactions at gas stations. Kasikornbank expects a substantial rise in debit card usage within public transport, with a projected ninefold surge in payments specifically at MRT stations.
The main objective of this alliance is to meet the demands of urban travelers for quick and hassle-free journeys, doing away with cash, extra cards, or queuing for tokens. By simply using a Kasikorn Visa debit card, riders can perform contactless payments on all MRT lines, the Airport Rail Link, expressways, buses, and petrol stations. The setup employs EMV Contactless technology for safe and reliable transactions.
Kaset Chayong Sakawratthananon, Deputy Manager at Kasikornbank, noted that although mobile banking is gaining ground in Thailand, contactless debit card payments are also growing in popularity. This trend is especially noticeable in everyday dealings like public transport, fuel stations, malls, and restaurants.
According to Kasikorn Research Centre, debit card transactions make up about 62% of total card payments in Thailand. At present, Kasikornbank commands more than 50% of the debit card market, and linking with public transport systems is forecasted to boost transaction volumes, particularly at MRT stations.
Naporn Inkhatanuwat, Senior Marketing Director at Visa Thailand, voiced Visa’s enthusiasm for working with Kasikornbank, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited. This partnership seeks to improve city commuting by enabling secure and easy contactless payments via Kasikorn Visa debit cards.
Furthermore, a promotional offer called Fast Track Savings is available for users paying for MRT rides with Kasikorn Visa debit cards from September 1 to November 30. Current customers who use the card for MRT payments can get a complimentary drink or movie ticket by signing up on the LINE app @kbanklive and fulfilling certain requirements.
For example, card usage for MRT payments on five days in a month earns a free KAMU bubble tea valued at 70 baht, whereas 15 days of use yields a free SF cinema ticket worth 280 baht. New customers can take part in the promotion too by registering, using their card for MRT payments, and getting a free McDonald’s burger valued at 49 baht on their initial use, as reported by KhaoSod.
New customers who open a K-eSavings account and obtain a Kasikorn Visa debit card at Kasikornbank booths located in four MRT stations—Rama 9, Phetchaburi, Sukhumvit, and Lat Phrao—from August 28 to September 27 will receive a 100 baht Central gift voucher, available to the first 300 participants.
