| Bulletin | 09/6 |
| Batch No. | 189 |
| Ref | 12183 |
| Product | Financial |
| Advertiser | AIB |
| Agency | |
| Medium | Leaflet/Point of Sale Poster |
| Complaint Advertisement: The point of sale poster stated “Platinum. The only credit card that gives you money back.” It featured an AIB Platinum VISA credit card. The leaflet stated “The only card in Ireland with money back. A little extra just for you with our exclusive offer. With the AIB Platinum VISA Card, spend over €5,000 (and up to €50,000) on purchases only in any 12 month period from your account opening date and we will give 0.5% cashback – to spend on whatever you like! The cash back awards are calculated on a monthly basis and credited to your AIB Platinum Credit Card account on the statement each month. Ask any of us for details.” The footnote read “Please see the AIB Platinum Visa Card Brochure in branches for more details. Terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Financial Regulator.” Complaint: The complainant challenged the statement “The only card in Ireland with money back.” He believed this statement to be untrue and he said that the American Express Blue card offered 1% cash back compared to AIB’s 0.5% with their Platinum card. |
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| 2006 Code | |
| 2002 Code |
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| Response Rothco responded on behalf of the advertisers. They explained that at the time of the campaign April 2009, AIB was of the belief that they were they only bank offering Irish consumers a credit card with a cash back reward on purchases. They said that the American Express Blue card had previously been available to Irish customers via Bank of Ireland. However, they said that at the time of the campaign, this offer was no longer available. They also said that the American Blue Card was then only available to customers with Sterling bank accounts in the United Kingdom and that while some Irish customers may hold the American Express card, obtained from Bank of Ireland, this option was no longer on offer. The advertisers further explained that they had conducted research which had revealed to them that there were no other cards advertised or issued in Ireland which provided the cash back facility. They said that during this research process they had been advised by American Express that one had to hold a UK bank account in order to avail of their American Express Blue card. Therefore, they concluded, that this card was not available to new Irish customers holding Irish bank accounts. |
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| Conclusion Complaint Not Upheld. The Complaints Committee considered the detail of the complaint and the advertisers’ response. The Committee considered that at the time of the campaign the advertisers’ credit card was the only credit card available to new Irish customers offering a cash back facility and that the advertising was not misleading. Action Required: No further action required. |
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