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April 8, 2022
On the wires
Cash Back Rewards Leader Ibotta Unveils B2B Solutions for Advertisers, Retailers, and Publishers
“Ibotta, the company that disrupted the 100 year-old paper coupon industry with digital cash back rewards, announced plans to dramatically change the advertising landscape with the Ibotta Performance Network (IPN). The IPN is an industry-leading publisher and retail network that will soon reach more than 120 million shoppers in the US. This expanded platform gives advertisers unprecedented scale to launch “pay for sale” performance marketing campaigns.”
April 13, 2021
On the wires
Cardlytics to Acquire Bridg to Accelerate Transformational Growth
“Cardlytics (NASDAQ: CDLX) announced today its intent to acquire Bridg, a customer data platform that empowers marketers to better understand and reach customers using SKU-level insights. Once the integration is complete, this addition will pair Cardlytics’ advertising platform, which has an audience of more than 163 million monthly active users, with Bridg’s enhanced SKU-level insights and ability to engage consumers across other digital platforms.”
April 7, 2021
On the web
WSJ News Exclusive | Instacart and DoorDash Plan to Launch Their Own Credit Cards
Wall Street Journal
“Two of the biggest winners in the pandemic delivery boom are looking to launch their own credit cards. Grocery-delivery service Instacart Inc. has chosen JPMorgan Chase & Co. to issue a credit card that will reward frequent users, according to people familiar with the matter. DoorDash Inc., which specializes in delivering takeout, is also looking to launch its own rewards credit card and received offers from more than 10 large banks and financial-technology firms to issue it, people familiar with the matter said.”
April 6, 2021
On the web
India’s CRED Valued at $2.2 Billion in New $215 Million Fundraise
TechCrunch
“Two-year-old CRED has become the youngest Indian startup to be valued at $2 billion or higher. Bangalore-based CRED said on Tuesday it has raised $215 million in a new funding round — a Series D — that valued the Indian startup at $2.2 billion (post-money), up from about $800 million valuation in the $81 million Series C round in January this year …CRED operates an app that rewards customers for paying their credit card bills on time and gives them access to a range of additional services such as credit and a premium catalog of products from high-end brands.”
March 1, 2021
On the wires
Cardlytics to Acquire Dosh to Bolster Digital Advertising Offering
“Cardlytics (NASDAQ: CDLX), a digital advertising platform, announced today its planned acquisition of Dosh , a cash-back offers platform, for $275 million in cash and stock. Founded in 2016, Dosh is best known for creating a consumer app that provides cash back for millions of consumers from thousands of merchants. The Dosh app delivers an individualized consumer experience, providing the right offer to the right person at the right time, which has resulted in year-over-year growth in new brands leveraging its advertising platform to drive sales. In the past year, Dosh expanded its product offering by enabling financial institutions, neo-banks, and fintech companies – like Venmo, Betterment, and Ellevest – to rapidly deploy its platform in their own digital channels to remain top of wallet with customers.”
January 29, 2021
On the wires
New Sam’s Club Mastercard Rewards Program By Synchrony Unlocks Additional Value On Sam’s Club Purchases
“Sam’s Club, (NYSE: WMT ), a leading membership warehouse club, Synchrony, (NYSE: SYF ), a premier consumer financial services company, and Mastercard, (NYSE: MA ) a global technology company in the payments industry, announced today a new Sam’s Club Mastercard rewards program that provides additional value for cardholders – from expanded rewards to digital enhancements. The card program is an essential tool for all Sam’s Club Plus members that helps maximize savings and delivers on the evolving consumer shopping habits.”
January 5, 2021
On the web
Samsung Pay Winds Down Rewards Scheme
NFCW
“Samsung Pay users in the USA are no longer able to earn Samsung Rewards points each time they make a purchase using the payments service. Samsung has updated the terms and conditions of its rewards programme , and these show that users are now able to earn Samsung Rewards points only when making purchases from the Samsung Galaxy Store and other Samsung Checkout-enabled mobile apps, buying selected Samsung products and “by visiting special locations announced by Samsung Pay”.”
January 4, 2021
On the wires
cxLoyalty Group Holdings Inc. Announces Sale of its Global Loyalty Division to JPMorgan Chase
“cxLoyalty Group Holdings, Inc. (“cxLoyalty Group Holdings”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Global Loyalty division (“cxLoyalty”) to JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM ) (“JPMC”). The deal includes cxLoyalty’s leading technology platforms, full service travel agency, gift card, merchandise, and points bank businesses. cxLoyalty will operate as a business unit within JPMC.”
December 8, 2020
On the wires
Rakuten In-Store Network Enables Offers in Google Pay
“Google Pay users can now earn Cash Back on card-linked offers for both online and in-store purchases at leading retail and dining locations thanks to a new collaboration with Rakuten In Store Network. Starting in November, consumers paying with Google Pay began to receive Cash Back rewards from participating retailers and restaurants.”
November 10, 2020
On the web
AmEx Says Its Cardholders Are Stockpiling Their Points and Miles
Bloomberg (paywall)
“AmEx customers are sitting on a pile of points. Customers of American Express Co. ’s travel-related co-brand cards, as well as the firm’s Platinum, Gold and other proprietary cards, have been stockpiling their points and miles during the pandemic, according to Chief Financial Officer Jeff Campbell. That means the rewards are likely to be used eventually for big vacations, he said.”
November 9, 2020
On the web
Amazon rolls out rewards program that makes it easier for drivers to get work
CNBC
“Amazon is launching a rewards program for its legions of Flex delivery drivers that gives them a leg up when it comes to the app’s competitive shift selection process. The company quietly added a section to the Flex website and an app on Apple’s App Store that advertise the program, called Amazon Flex Rewards. The rewards program offers drivers a number of perks, including access to a debit card and the ability to reserve customized delivery shifts.”
October 2, 2020
On the wires
Affinity Capital Exchange Announces Strategic Agreement With J.P. Morgan to Enhance Value of Loyalty Programs
“Affinity Capital Exchange (ACE), a fintech innovator in the loyalty finance space pioneering a new class of loyalty points, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with J.P. Morgan (NYSE: JPM). The two firms will work together to provide issuers of loyalty programs the ability to augment secured debt financing by deploying a new class of loyalty points.”
September 14, 2020
On the wires
Start Earning More Travel Rewards With the Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card
“Hotels.com® announced today the launch of its first-ever credit card: the Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card. The new, no-annual-fee card was designed with the traveler in mind, offering rewards that transform everyday spending into more rewarding travel. Hotels.com already has one of the most generous rewards programs in the industry. As a Hotels.com Rewards member, you collect one stamp for each night stayed at any eligible property. After collecting 10 stamps, you’ll get a reward night to stay at one of the half a million properties Hotels.com offers — it’s that simple. The Rewards program is free to join.”
August 3, 2020
On the wires
American Express and Marriott Bonvoy Introduce Limited-Time Offers Designed to Fuel Local Travel and Experiences
“Today, American Express and Marriott Bonvoy™, Marriott International’s travel program, are announcing rewarding limited-time offers available to the Marriott Bonvoy™ American Express® Cards. As travelers plan to explore locally and take more road trips, these benefits will reward Card Members for purchases at U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants and participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. In addition to current Card benefits, the enhanced offers will be available from August 3 to October 31, 2020, for eligible Marriott Bonvoy, Brilliant and Business Card Members.”
July 21, 2020
On the wires
Starbucks to Update Loyalty Program and App This Fall to Offer More Ways to Pay and Earn Stars
“Today, Starbucks announced plans to update its industry-leading Starbucks® Rewards™ loyalty program by giving members more payment options and ways to earn Stars through the Starbucks app. Beginning this fall in company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada, Starbucks Rewards members will also be able to scan their app and then pay with cash, credit/debit cards, or select mobile wallets and earn Stars toward free items. Members will also be able to save these payment methods directly in the Starbucks app to earn stars when paying. These enhancements will be in addition to the current option of earnings Stars by paying with a Starbucks Card in stores and within the app.”
June 30, 2020
On the wires
InComm Launches American Express® Virtual Reward Card
“InComm , a leading payments technology company, today announced the launch of the American Express® Virtual Reward Card, a flexible solution for any rewards program. The American Express Virtual Reward Card is a tool designed to assist businesses in engaging customers or rewarding employees. With this digitally delivered prepaid reward card, recipients can access their rewards instantly rather than waiting for a physical product to arrive. For businesses, the virtual reward card offers a safe, reliable network for instant delivery and redemption across the country.”
June 25, 2020
On the wires
New Research From PayPal Reveals How Americans Are Spending Credit Card Rewards In A COVID-19 World
“PayPal today released new research looking at purchasing behaviors of credit card rewards holders during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing people around the country are turning to rewards balances to help them stretch their budgets (29%) and purchase the things they need most, such as groceries. However, with 39% of credit card rewards holders unaware of their rewards balances, there’s an opportunity for more people to uncover funds which could extend their budgets and help them buy the things they need most.”
June 15, 2020
On the wires
Paysafe’s Skrill Extends Knect Loyalty Program to U.S. Customers
“Paysafe, a leading specialized payments platform, today announced the U.S. expansion of the global Knect loyalty program for its Skrill digital wallet. U.S. Skrill customers can now earn free points redeemable for cash rewards when they make transactions using the digital wallet or the associated Skrill Visa® Prepaid Card. Following the launch of the Skrill Visa® Prepaid Card in January and Skrill Money Transfer this month, the expanded Knect loyalty program, first rolled-out in Europe in 2019, is the latest example of Skrill ’s strong focus on improving the connection between U.S. consumers and their online and offline payment needs.”
June 9, 2020
On the web
Klarna launches rewards program
TechCrunch
“Fintech startup Klarna is launching a rewards program called Vibe this summer. If you use Klarna as your payment method, you’ll start earning points for every $1 you spend. You can then redeem your points for gift cards at Starbucks, Sephora, Foot Locker and Uber. Klarna is best known for its buy now and pay later feature, which lets you pay over four installments with 0% interest. You can think as Klarna as a sort of credit card-alternative payment method as you don’t have to pay for things right away. Many e-commerce websites have added Klarna as a payment option to increase sales. It can increase conversion rates for expensive purchases in particular.”
May 12, 2020
On the wires
Worth the Wait for Wine Enthusiasts Vertical Finance Launches Waitlist for Grand Reserve™ World Mastercard®
“Rewards and payments innovator Vertical Finance is throwing open the waitlist for its upcoming Grand Reserve consumer credit card designed specifically for wine enthusiasts, giving early adopters the potential to amass significant bonus reward points. Building on the success of the standalone Grand Reserve rewards program, which rewards consumers for their purchases at wineries, wine shops, and wine clubs, the Grand Reserve World Mastercard accelerates rewards earnings for oenophiles as they pursue their passion for wine.”
May 5, 2020
On the wires
Marriott International Raises $920 Million In Cash Through Amendments To Co-Brand Credit Card Agreements With JPMorgan Chase & Co. And American Express
“Marriott International, Inc. (“Marriott” or “the company”) today announced it has signed amendments to its existing co-brand credit card agreements with JPMorgan Chase & Co. (“Chase”) and American Express. These amendments will provide the company with $920 million of cash, further enhancing its liquidity, with $570 million coming from Chase and $350 million coming from American Express.”
May 4, 2020
On the web
Blackhawk Network Lets UK Consumers Make Digital Gift Card Payments in Stores
NFC World
“Blackhawk Network subsidiary One4all is using Dejamobile’s ReadyToTap Gifts & Rewards solution to make it possible for UK consumers and businesses to send a digital gift card directly to a recipient’s mobile phone — and for the recipient to then use it to make payments online and at contactless terminals in stores.”
April 24, 2020
On the wires
Augeo Acquires Empyr to Create Card-Linking Powerhouse
“Augeo, a global leader in employee, member, consumer and channel partner engagement solutions, announced today it has acquired Empyr, a San Diego based card-linking platform for national brands and digital publishers. Together, they will launch a new company called Figg, combining the financial institution card-linking business of Augeo with the extensive publisher experience of Empyr. Augeo will continue to serve its extensive clientele independently, while the new company will represent one of the largest user bases in the card-linking industry, with more than 60 million users and $300 billion in transaction volume. Figg will bring new card-linked opportunities for advertisers, publishers and consumers.”
April 22, 2020
On the wires
Blackhawk Network Selected by Rybbon to Provide Mobile Wallet-Enabled Prepaid Rewards
“Global branded payments provider Blackhawk Network announced an agreement with Rybbon, a leading digital rewards platform, to provide businesses with virtual open-loop Mastercard® reward options. Businesses can now use these rewards to engage customers digitally. Reward recipients can add these Mastercard rewards to mobile wallets from Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay to make purchases with just the tap of their phone or smartwatch. According to Blackhawk’s research, digital prepaid rewards are efficient and preferred incentives when recipients want to receive rewards quickly—making them an incredibly effective business tool for marketing, research and employee programs.”
February 3, 2020
On the wires
Texas Capital Bank launches all-digital Bask Bank, offering savers American Airlines AAdvantage® miles
“Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: TCBI), parent company of Texas Capital Bank, announced today the launch of Bask Bank, a digital savings account that earns American Airlines AAdvantage® miles instead of interest.”
July 1, 2019
On the web
Flux, the Digital Receipts and Rewards Platform, Adds Support for Online Takeout Marketplace Just Eat
TechCrunch
“Flux , the London fintech that offers a platform for banks and merchants to power digital receipts and rewards, has unveiled its first partnership with an online-only merchant. The London-based company has managed to sign up Just Eat, the online marketplace for takeout food and delivery. As of today, Just Eat’s U.K. customers will be able to receive digital itemised receipts directly in their Flux-supported banking app immediately after placing an order. At launch, this will include challenger banks Starling and Monzo , with the service rolled out across Flux’s other existing bank partner, Barclays launchpad , later this year.”
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