Global bank Citi has this week confirmed a long-term partnership with online travel company Expedia to launch in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Citi customers across multiple Asian markets will be able to pay for Expedia-booked holidays with credit card points or miles, following the announcement of a partnership between the global bank and the online travel company.

Citibank Singapore head of cards and personal loans, Vikas Kumar, said the partnership would allow customers to maximise the usage of collected card points.

“To be our customers’ preferred banking partner, we understand the need to integrate our offerings and be present wherever they live, work and play,” he said.

“ With this ‘Pay with Points’ capability, our cardmembers are able to maximize the use of their accumulated miles or rewards points as they benefit from having more options that best suit their needs and preferences.”

Under the partnership, Citi card holders would also benefit from accelerated rewards of 3 miles, 7 Citi dollars or 2.5 per cent cash back for every S$1 spent on flights and hotels with participating merchants, or 15 per cent off hotel bookings until next February.

“Technology is closely assimilated in every aspect of consumer lifestyle in today’s world,” Kumar said.

 “Our partnership [is] offering customers speed, convenience, and ease when they make payments for their bookings on the travel platform.”