Shinhan Card and E9pay Launch Credit Card Exclusively for Foreigners

Product Information Available in 16 Languages
Card Issuance Requirements Relaxed

Shinhan Card announced on May 22 that it has launched the "E9pay Shinhan Card Cheoeum (E9pay Shinhan Card)," a card exclusively for foreigners, in partnership with E9pay.

During the product planning process, the company focused on improving financial accessibility for foreign customers throughout the entire card issuance process, including application, screening, and delivery.

The product information is available in 16 languages. When applying for the card through the E9pay app, product details are provided in foreign language versions.

The eligibility criteria for card issuance have also been significantly relaxed. For example, whereas previously applicants were required to own real estate with an officially assessed value above a certain amount, now it is sufficient to simply own real estate. For financial assets, the previous requirement was a regular balance of at least 50 million KRW regardless of transaction period, but this has been lowered to a minimum balance of 10 million KRW with a transaction period of at least one month.

Additionally, through the "GS25 Convenience Store Card Pickup Service," foreign customers can freely pick up their cards 24 hours a day at GS25 convenience stores nationwide. This service, jointly provided by Shinhan Card and GS25, is designed for customers who have difficulty receiving card deliveries during weekday business hours. Even foreigners can receive their cards by installing the Shinhan SOL Pay app and verifying their identity via mobile phone.

Customers earn 5% points in various everyday categories such as restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, online shopping, daily necessities, travel, and fashion. For recurring payments such as memberships, OTT services, and telecommunications fees, up to 20% points can be accumulated. Bonus points can also be earned based on spending management, such as planned spending and instant payments.

The two companies are running a promotion offering preferential overseas remittance fee benefits until the end of the year. Customers can receive up to 15,000 KRW worth of E9pay overseas remittance fee discount coupons by verifying card receipt within the E9pay app and uploading a verification photo on social media.

To expand card issuance, the two companies plan to conduct joint marketing activities targeting foreign national communities and social media. They are also planning to introduce additional benefits in the future, such as discounts on telecommunications fees and online/offline shopping.

A Shinhan Card representative stated, "As the importance of foreign customers continues to grow, we will help them make rational spending decisions and enhance convenience through differentiated products and services."

The annual fee for the E9pay Shinhan Card is 18,000 KRW for international (Master) cards and 15,000 KRW for domestic-only cards.