
If you're looking for a credit card that rewards your loyalty to a specific brand or business, you've come to the right place. Co-branded credit cards are designed to benefit both the cardholder and the partner company.
Many co-branded credit cards offer exclusive rewards and benefits, such as earning points or cash back on purchases made with the partner business. For example, the Discover it Miles credit card earns 1.5 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, with no rotating categories or spending limits.
Some co-branded credit cards also offer special perks, like access to exclusive events or discounts on travel and merchandise. The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, for instance, offers a free Admirals Club membership and two free checked bags on American Airlines flights.
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Types of Co-Branded Credit Cards
Co-branded credit cards can be broadly categorized into two types: closed-loop and open-loop cards. Closed-loop cards can only be used at specific merchants or locations, whereas open-loop cards can be used anywhere the card's payment network is accepted.
Closed-loop cards often offer generous incentives for spending with their particular brand, but may not be as versatile. The Macy's Credit Card, for example, earns rewards only on Macy's purchases, making it a closed-loop card.
Open-loop cards, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and can be used anywhere the card's payment network is accepted. The World of Hyatt Credit Card, for instance, earns points on purchases not only at Hyatt properties but also at restaurants, on plane tickets, and at local transit and commuting expenses.
Some companies offer both closed-loop and open-loop versions of their co-branded cards, so it's crucial to know which one you're getting. The Macy's American Express Card, for example, offers the same benefits as the Macy's Credit Card, plus rewards on non-Macy's spending and other perks.
Consumers with weaker credit profiles are more likely to receive the closed-loop edition of a co-branded credit card when they apply.
Co-Branded Credit Card Partnerships
Co-branded credit card partnerships can be a win-win for both banks and brands, but they require careful planning to succeed. The credit card market is growing, with large banks reporting a 47% increase in credit card spend over the past two years.
To establish a successful co-branded credit card, banks and brands must work together to create a compelling product and marketing strategy. This involves understanding the needs and preferences of their target audience, as well as the benefits of partnering with each other.
A well-executed co-branded credit card program can provide a reliable stream of income for both partners, but many programs struggle to meet expectations. In fact, research suggests that many co-branded credit card programs are disappointed, seeking ways to improve their performance.
The key to success lies in having a clear and aligned operating model, with objectives that benefit both partners. By focusing on account approval, usage, and a well-structured operating model, banks and brands can create a co-branded credit card program that truly adds value to their customers and drives revenue.
Bank of America
Bank of America has a long history, starting out as Bank of Italy in San Francisco in 1904. It was later renamed in 1930 and has since expanded to become one of the largest financial institutions in the world.
Bank of America has a massive presence, with over 205,000 full-time employees and annual revenue of $91+ billion. The company offers a wide range of financial services, including credit cards, deposit accounts, and investment vehicles.
The BankAmericard, introduced by Bank of America, was the first general-use credit card and later became the basis for Visa. This innovation has had a lasting impact on the credit card industry.
Bank of America has made several significant acquisitions, including the purchase of Merrill Lynch during the Great Recession. This move helped the company navigate the challenging economic environment.
Bank of America has also been a leader in bringing consumer credit card protections to business credit cards. This commitment to consumer protection is a notable aspect of the company's approach to credit card services.
Here's a summary of Bank of America's credit card features:
- Bank of America Reviews: 3.9/5 average user rating
- Uses Deferred Interest: No
- Small Business Friendliness: 100%
- Rental Car Insurance: 78.5% - 85%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0% - 3%
- Extended Warranty: 61% - 80%
- Travel Insurance: 23.95% - 87.98%
- Price Protection: Not Offered
- Return Protection: 76%
- Purchase Protection: 76.5%
By Banking & Payments Group and Finnovia
Credit cards are one of the most profitable products in financial services, generating reliable streams of both interest and non-interest income for issuers. The market is growing, with large banks reporting a 47% increase in credit card spend over the past two years and a 28% growth in credit card outstandings.
To gain share in this crowded market, banks are turning to partnerships with well-known brands that bring large customer lists and strong brand affinity. This can be a tempting opportunity for brands, but many are disappointed with the performance of their co-branded credit card programs.
The key to success lies in avoiding common pitfalls and adopting a well-structured approach. One of the most critical aspects is account approval, which can make or break the program's performance. A good account approval process can help increase the number of approved applications and reduce the risk of chargebacks.
A well-optimized product and marketing strategy is also essential for a successful co-branded credit card program. This involves understanding the target audience, creating a compelling value proposition, and developing a marketing plan that resonates with the brand's customer base.
For another approach, see: Credit One Credit Cards Review
An operating model with aligned objectives is crucial for the success of a co-branded credit card program. This means that all parties involved, including the bank and the brand, must be working towards the same goals and have a clear understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities.
Here are some key traits common among successful co-branded credit card programs:
By focusing on these key traits and avoiding common pitfalls, brands and banks can create successful co-branded credit card programs that drive revenue and grow customer loyalty.
Understanding Co-Branded Credit Cards
Co-branded credit cards are partnerships between a credit card issuer and a merchant, where the credit card is issued with the merchant's branding. These cards are designed to reward customers for their purchases with the merchant.
The co-branded business has been booming since the mid-1980s, with thousands of brands offering their own co-brand credit cards. Airlines were among the first major national brands to offer co-branded credit cards, with American Airlines partnering with Citi and Continental Airlines partnering with Marine Midland Bank.
Active users of a brand's credit card tend to be better customers, shopping more frequently and having higher average ticket sizes. This makes co-branded credit cards an excellent channel for brands to deepen engagement with their customers.
Rewards on co-branded credit cards are tailored specifically to the services offered by the affiliated merchant. For example, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi rewards customers for their purchases at Costco, offering higher earning rates on those purchases.
Many co-branded credit cards charge annual membership fees to support their generous rewards programs and encourage frequent use. In some cases, these fees can be significant, but the rewards earned can be substantial.
Here are some notable examples of co-branded credit cards:
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
- Amazon Credit Card
- The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Co-Branded Credit Card Types
Some co-branded cards are closed-loop, meaning they can only be used on purchases with that particular brand.
The Macy’s Credit Card, offered in collaboration with Citi, is a great example of a closed-loop card, allowing you to use it only at Macy’s, Macy’s Backstage, and macys.com.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Co-branded credit cards can be a great way to save money and earn rewards, but it's essential to understand their benefits and drawbacks.
You can earn exclusive perks with a co-branded card, such as 5% discounts and free shipping with a Target RedCard Credit Card.
One of the benefits of co-branded cards is that they can make your spending work for you, earning rewards on purchases outside of the brand, like 6 points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card.
Some co-branded cards can be more accessible to those with little or no credit, but be careful with these, as they often have higher interest rates and lower credit limits.
You may see limited rewards redemption options with a co-branded card, but broader rewards cards can give you more flexibility.
High costs are another drawback of co-branded cards, especially closed-loop ones, which can have purchase APRs as high as 31.74% with the Exxon Mobil Smart Card+.
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Closed-loop co-branded cards can only be used on purchases with the affiliated business.
Here are some key benefits and drawbacks of co-branded cards:
Choosing and Using Co-Branded Credit Cards
Choosing a co-branded credit card requires careful consideration of your spending habits.
Co-branded cards can have limited rewards redemption options, so it's essential to understand the rewards program before applying. For example, if you use the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, you'll earn Hilton Honors points, but you might have limited flexibility to redeem them elsewhere.
High costs are another drawback of co-branded cards, with high annual percentage rates (APRs) being a common feature. The Exxon Mobil Smart Card, for instance, comes with a 31.74% purchase APR, which is significantly higher than the average interest rate of 22.75% as of November 2023, according to the Federal Reserve.
To choose the right co-branded card, you need to consider your likelihood to regularly patronize a particular brand. Research the store's credit cards ahead of time to know the APR, fees, and terms.
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Choosing the Best
Choosing the best co-branded credit card for you requires some research and consideration. It's essential to think about your spending habits and whether you regularly patronize a particular brand.
Don't open a store credit card impulsively online or at the store register. This can lead to unexpected fees and terms.
Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and rewards program. Research the store's credit cards ahead of time to understand the APR, fees, and terms.
Just be sure to understand the rewards program backwards and forwards to benefit from your card.
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Where Are Accepted?
Co-branded cards can be accepted anywhere their payment network is accepted, such as Mastercard, Visa, or American Express.
Some co-branded cards are only accepted at the business they are affiliated with, known as "closed loop" cards.
Co-branded cards can be used anywhere their payment network is accepted, giving you flexibility in where you can use them.
Closed loop cards, on the other hand, are only accepted at the specific business they are affiliated with, limiting their use to that location.
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Co-Branded Credit Card Examples and Insights
Co-branded credit cards have become increasingly popular, with a purchase volume of over $800 billion in 2019 in the US alone. This represents a 9% increase from the previous year, according to the Nilson Report.
Some of the most popular co-branded credit cards include the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card, which offers 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases. The Citi's Costco Anywhere Visa Card is another example, offering 4% cashback at gas stations and 3% on restaurant and travel purchases.
The global co-branded card market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% between 2020 and 2025, driven by the increasing demand for loyalty programs and targeted rewards.
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American Express
American Express is known for its high-end credit cards, which are geared towards individuals with strong credit scores. These cards often come with lucrative rewards.
American Express operates in over 175 countries and is the 6th largest credit card network in the U.S. by number of cards in circulation. It's also the second largest credit card issuer by purchase volume.
The company's focus on high-income individuals means it's not heavily involved in credit improvement services. However, it has partnered with Walmart to offer a prepaid card, marking its entry into the prepaid market.
Here are some key features of American Express credit cards:
Usaa
USAA is a full-service financial institution that offers a range of products, including credit cards, banking, insurance, and investments, specifically for military members and their families.
USAA is the 9th largest credit card issuer in the U.S. by purchase volume and outstanding balances, as of 2021.
USAA's customer service can be reached at 1-800-531-8722 or through their website at https://www.usaa.com/.
USAA Bank has an average user rating of 3.5/5.
USAA does not use Deferred Interest, which means you won't be charged interest on your balance if you pay it off in full each month.
USAA's customer service phone number is 1-800-531-8722.
Here are some key features of USAA credit cards:
- Rental Car Insurance: Not Offered
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Extended Warranty: 85%
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank is a major player in the credit card industry, with a reputation for offering rewards to its customers. With a total of 3.9/5 average user rating, it's clear that many people are satisfied with their experience.
One of the key benefits of U.S. Bank's credit cards is that they offer rewards to people across the credit spectrum. This means that even those with below-average credit can take advantage of their rewards programs.
The company has a wide range of co-branded credit cards with corporate partners like Kroger, Club Carlson, Ace, and Harley-Davidson. These partnerships offer unique rewards and benefits to cardholders.
U.S. Bank's FlexPerks brand name is also a popular choice for rewards credit cards. Their rewards cards are known for offering a high level of flexibility and customization.
Here's a quick rundown of some of the key features and benefits of U.S. Bank's credit cards:
- No Deferred Interest
- 45% Small Business Friendliness
- Rental Car Insurance: 78% - 88.5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0% - 3%
- Extended Warranty: 73% - 82%
- Travel Insurance: 16.5% - 73.1%
- No Price Protection
- Return Protection: 80.5%
- Purchase Protection: 70%-91%
Examples
Let's take a look at some examples of co-branded credit cards. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card is a successful joint project of Chase and Amazon that rewards customers with 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases.
A co-branded card with Hilton, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, offers a rich suite of benefits for traveling, flying, and shopping. This card is a result of a collaboration between Hilton and American Express.
The Citi's Costco Anywhere Visa Card is a great option for Costco members, offering 4% cashback at gas stations, 3% on restaurant and travel purchases, 2% on Costco online and offline purchases, and 1% on all other purchases.
Here are some examples of co-branded credit cards:
These co-branded cards offer exclusive perks with the brand, making them a great option for loyal customers.
Market Insights
The co-branded credit card market is growing rapidly, with a purchase volume of over $800 billion in the US alone in 2019. This represents a 9% increase from the previous year, according to the Nilson Report.
The global co-branded card market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% between 2020 and 2025, driven by the increasing demand for co-branded credit cards among millennials and the growing popularity of loyalty programs.
Large banks have reported significant growth in credit card spend, with a 47% increase in the past two years, and growth in credit card outstandings of 28%. This growth is a testament to the increasing appeal of credit cards as a profitable product within financial services.
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The co-branded card market is shifting towards more niche cards targeting specific demographics and interests, such as travellers, sports fans, and pet owners. This trend is expected to continue as consumers become more discerning and seek out rewards and benefits that align with their individual needs.
Creditworthy consumers who want a credit card often have one, making it challenging for banks to gain share in the market. To increase appeal, banks are partnering with well-known brands that bring large customer lists and strong brand affinity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cards are issued by Synchrony Bank?
Synchrony Bank issues the American Eagle Outfitters Visa, At Home Mastercard, Belk Rewards Mastercard, BP Visa, Cathay Pacific Visa, Chevron and Texaco Visa, and Lyft cards. These cards offer various rewards and benefits tailored to each brand's loyalty program.
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/credit-card-companies/20409
- https://bankingandpaymentsgroup.com/co-branded-credit-cards-the-allure-and-the-reality/
- https://wallethub.com/edu/cc/co-branded-credit-cards/25510
- https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/money/co-branded-credit-cards
- https://corefy.com/glossary/co-branded-card
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