In an effort to build lifetime relationships with its retail customers, Bharat Petroleum, on September 29, 1999, launched the PetroBonus Programme – the first of its kind in India. With this launch, BPCL leapfrogged into the next stage of providing consumer convenience, using the-state-of-the-art Smart Card techology. Petro Card is a plastic card, with a embedded microprocessor chip that accepts, stores and send information. PetroBonus is a unique programme offering convenience as well as security of paying for fuel and convenience store purchases at its 'In&Out' stores through an electronic purse, with the added oppurtunity to collect valuable rewards and exclusive benefits.