Bank of Communications has issued more than five million credit cards so far, the bank said today.

The bank issue cards 30 percent above its previous target, Xu Han, deputy chief executive of the Shanghai-based bank's credit card center said today in Shanghai.

Issuing co-branded credit cards with retailers like supermarkets will be one move to help boost its credit card number, Xu said.

The bank today teamed up Shanghai Lotus Supermarket Chain Store Co to issue co-branded credit cards. The card can be used in 75 Lotus supermarkets nationwide.

"Allying with big supermarket companies like Wal-Mart and Lotus bring a group of active card users," said Xu. "We are not only seeking higher card numbers but active card users."

BoCom teamed up with HSBC in the credit card line and started issuing credit cards in 2005.

(Shanghai Daily February 22, 2008)