In 2002, the Platina Bank strengthened its position in the means-of-payment market, implementing more than 30 large projects to do with the release and service of Visa salary cards to enterprises and organizations.

These projects were not only in the Moscow region, but also in other industrial regions of Russia.

The volume of cards issued has grown by a factor of 1,7. The increase in turnover of issued cards in 2002 reached 100%, making a total in one year of about 600 million rubles.

The Bank made over 450 trading-service points available by the end of the year.

The Platina Bank offers its clients high-quality service, round-the-clock client support, and an individual approach for each client.

Regular clients of the Bank have agreed credit limits, and may use overdraft facilities on card accounts within the prescribed limit.

Besides providing basic services, the Bank offers a number of additional services to card holders, including:

• the ability to obtain an online transcript of activities against the card account by accessing the Bank's website over the Internet (the transcript contains information on all authorized inquiries made so far);
• remote access to the card account through the Internet with the help of the CyberPlat system;
• MTS account replenishment with 0.5% discount;
• the ability to receive SMS messages about authorization activity on the card;
• insurance for card holders making international trips, in partnership with the Renessans strakhovaniye company.

A particular product offered by the Bank is a virtual card, Visa Virtual. This is intended for Bank clients who obtain goods and services over the Internet. The Visa Virtual card may be used only for payments over the Internet, making such payments safer than when classical plastic cards are used.

The Bank's development of its card program is likely to focus on joint projects with large corporate clients.

At the end of 2002, the Bank registered a joint project with the Renessans strakhovaniye company. The main advantage of a Renessans-VISA Electron card and its distinction from others is that a holder can simplify relations with the insurer both when purchasing an insurance policy and when claiming compensation for an insured accident. This is especially useful for someone taking out an insurance policy for a trip abroad (providing contingency reserves for medical and other services, including at the scene of an accident). Having such a card enables the holder to make a direct settlement with medical institutions, without having to involve the service companies.