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Thursday, April 18, 2024
Xbox Mastercard card seems to be winner
Mastercard's April 18, 2024 announcement about the Barclaycard/Xbox card is worth paying attention to. It will be interesting to learn about the demographics, size of credit lines, and utilization of such a program.
The Xbox Mastercard, issued by Barclays, now available in the U.S. with more value
APRIL 18, 2024 | WILMINGTON, DEL; PURCHASE, NY; REDMOND, WASH
https://www.mastercard.com/news/press/2024/april/the-xbox-mastercard-issued-by-barclays-now-available-in-the-u-s-with-more-value/
No annual fee card converges virtual experiences and everyday purchases, allowing cardmembers to earn points on purchases in the Microsoft Store, dining delivery, streaming services, and more
In September 2023, Xbox Insiders received early access to the Xbox Mastercard, Xbox’s first-ever co-branded credit card in the United States, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank. Today, the card is available in all 50 states to qualified US residents 18 years of age and older.
With no annual fee and a bonus of 5,000 card points after the first purchase (a $50 value), the card, with the flexibility of use across contactless payments and digital wallets, is designed to seamlessly integrate into players’ lifestyles, providing card points and benefits for their purchases in the Microsoft Store and everyday purchases. The Xbox Mastercard is equipped with five iconic designs and the option to customize with players’ Xbox gamertag to add a personalized touch.
The Xbox Mastercard offers benefits for new and existing cardmembers, including three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new Game Pass members after their first purchase, 5X points on eligible products at the Microsoft Store, 3X points on select streaming and dining delivery services, 1X card points for all other everyday purchases, and more. Cardmembers also receive access to their FICO® Credit Score for free, and the benefits of the Mastercard network including ID Theft Protection™, Zero Liability Protection and Global Services for emergency assistance for added peace of mind. For those interested in building financial knowledge on credit scores, fraud prevention, budgeting and more, visit Barclays Money Basics.
To provide even more meaningful value for players, additional benefits are available today for new and existing cardmembers:
- Two three-month codes to gift to friends or family to try Game Pass Ultimate for the first time, with $7,000 or more spent within the first 12 months of opening the card account.
- Upgrade to Level 2 of Microsoft Rewards to earn faster rewards.
- Boost the volume with three free months of Spotify Premium Individual for new and existing cardmembers (for new Spotify Premium Individual users only). Terms apply.
- More options to redeem card points, including on Xbox consoles, in-game and in the Xbox App for PC. Card points can now be redeemed for purchases of consoles, accessories, Xbox Gift Cards, and more.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
The evolution of online travel agencies with card issuers
Lots of talk lately about Credit Card Travel Portals, in large part, because Chase Travel has been in press and the research team at Skift shared an insightful study.
Credit card travel portals serve as online booking platforms overseen by your credit card provider. American Express Travel is the one most people think of but card issuers have also gotten into the travel business. To utilize the booking system, you must possess a qualifying credit card from that issuer and log in beforehand to initiate (or complete) your reservation.
In essence, credit card travel portals function similarly to other familiar booking platforms such as Priceline, Expedia, Kayak.com. Their search interfaces are user-friendly, offering thorough results and transparent pricing. The primary distinction lies in the payment options available; with your card's booking engine, you typically have the flexibility to pay using your card, rewards points, or a blend of both.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Co-branded credit card in 2024
Working on update. Will publish shortly.