Ofo in deal with major bank

Chinese bike-sharing company ofo Inc has signed a deal with China CITIC Bank to offer expanded financial services for ofo users.

Under the partnership, announced on Thursday, CITIC Bank will provide tailor-made co-branded cards for ofo users. Card holders won't have to pay the 99 yuan ($14.4) deposit normally required to ride ofo bikes.

The co-branded card, which is a credit and debit card, also entitles holders to free personal accident insurance.

Ofo said the two companies will work on a series of cooperation programs, including the management of deposits, payments, cross-border finance, credit support, marketing and pro bono programs.

"We two will work on more innovative programs in the future, combining the sharing economy and financial services. Thus, we can offer better services for our clients and boost the development of both industries,” ofo chief executive officer Dai Wei said.

Guo Danghuai, vice president of CITIC Bank, said: “Our partnership with ofo will enable us to offer more inclusive financial products and services via the new form of sharing economy. ”

Ofo has deployed more than 2.5 million bikes and has more than 30 million registered users. It has provided over 500 million rides since its debut, according to the company.

In March, ofo tested waiving its deposit for Sesame Credit members in Shanghai. By teaming up with Sesame Credit, a social credit rating unit backed by Ant Financial Services Group, the company allowed users with 650 points or higher to ride without paying the deposit.