BoV, NSTS launch student and youth VISA travel card

Bank of Valletta and NSTS - Student and Youth Travel have launched the EURO<26 BOV VISA Card, a VISA debit card which is a development on the EURO<26 Youth Card, a youth identity card aimed at all youth between 16 and 26 years of age.

The launch was addressed by NSTS managing director Francis Stivala, BoV chairman Joseph F.X. Zahra and Minister for Youth and the Arts Jesmond Mugliett.

Speaking about NSTS' collaboration with BoV, Mr Stivala said: "NSTS-Student and Youth Travel is a long standing motivator of opportunities for young people and we have always recognised the fact that life today is all about opportunities and advantages. Since the introduction of the EURO<26 Youth card to Malta in 1993, thousands of youths enjoy the benefits of this card every day.

Today, thanks to this agreement, NSTS and BoV are combining the power of an incredible diversity of benefits from over 100,000 establishments throughout 35 European countries, with a direct and simple way of cashing in on these advantages. This unique two-in-one facility of automatically enjoying discounted prices when presenting the EURO<26 VISA card for payment is also available in over 100 outlets of interest throughout Malta and Gozo."

Addressing the launch, Mr Zahra said "this is yet another product from Bank of Valletta that confirms our efforts in meeting the demands of our younger generation of customers. We are aware of their ever changing demands and as always, BoV has been responsive and has created an innovative product that will meet their financial requirements."

Mr Zahra added "the EURO<26 BoV Visa card offers the convenience of plastic money together with great discounts to young people across Europe. It is the key for young Europeans to information, mobility, culture and participation. Through a range of services, discounts and other advantages, the EURO<26 VISA Card encourages people between the age of 18 and 26 to make informed life choices, explore their world, and play a full part as citizens of Europe in today's society."

Speaking during the launch, Minister Mugliett said that young persons have specific requirements which should be catered for by the private sector. He praised Bank of Valletta and NSTS Student and Youth Travel for teaming up and embarking on this initiative. "The private sector knows well that it stands to gain if it offers young persons, services designed specifically to meet their needs," said the Minister for Youth and the Arts.

Among the numerous benefits and services, the EURO<26 BoV VISA cardholder will enjoy attractive discounts from numerous local and foreign establishments and free banking on the purchase or sale of local and foreign drafts and traveller's cheques and standing orders. Other benefits include the waiving of advances processing fees on computer loans, an unsecured computer loan, a number of services related to BoV Homelink Success Loans, and credit facilities equivalent to twice the net monthly salary of the cardholder.

Through the EURO<26 BoV VISA, cardholders are also entitled to a number of travel benefits available through NSTS - Student and Youth Travel. These include the special youth ISIS travel insurance policy, lower cost airfares under SATA global arrangements and reductions off the standard selling prices of a wide selection of hotels abroad.

More details on the list of local discount establishments may be obtained at www.bov.com/euro26.