The Bank of the Lao PDR attended the launch of the BCEL Mastercard Platinum Smart Pay credit card, which allows customers to convert purchases of goods and services valued at USD 500 to USD 10,000 per transaction into installment payments. Interest rates start at 0.65% per month. The card is intended to help customers manage cash flow without making a single large payment and without affecting their credit repayment history. It supports online, swipe and contactless payments through Electronic Data Capture terminals at merchants accepting Mastercard worldwide.