International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and MasterCard have launched a new card programme for students. The new global programme combines ISIC card and MasterCard payment functions to bring benefits to students. The first such card in Europe has been launched by Le Credit Lyonnais (LCL) as part of its Zen Etudiant package for students in France.
The bank has implemented a simple process that allows students to use email to download a photo of themselves, which is then integrated onto the card. Once the process is complete and has been approved by LCL and the cardholder, the LCL ISIC MasterCard is available within one week.
The convenience of combining the student identity card and bank card on a single card is not the only attraction for students. The card also entitles cardholders to ISIC’s discounts. These include over 8,000 partners in France (with brands such as Fnacmusic, Carrefour, Celio, UGC Cimema and Euro Disney) and over 40,000 merchants in 120 countries around the world (featuring Apple, Accor Hotels, Microsoft, cinemas, restaurants, value flights, cultural attractions and museums).
Martijn van de Veen, GM of ISIC, said: “Our partnership with MasterCard creates a truly valuable product for students. The card programme is the first payment card to offer a three-in-one service to today’s student. Students across the world already know the ISIC card and trust the card as a reliable form of student identity and gateway to a student discount programme that is second to none. ISIC offers thousands of discounts from across the world, driving value for the cardholder not only abroad but importantly at home where everyday savings really matter.”
Ann Ehlen, debit product development at MasterCard Europe, said: “Through our partnership with ISIC, we’ve been able to engineer the next generation student card – empowering it with global payment capability to meet today’s student needs. Lifestage payment solutions bring value to consumers across different segments and age groups. With this new card, ISIC, LCL and MasterCard are presenting a fine example of how partnership, understanding of the market, and innovation can bring added value to a specific market segment – in this case, the important student market, who represent the professionals and affluent consumers of tomorrow.”
