Barclaycard meets social networking

Barclaycard Ring MasterCard 300x249 Barclaycard meets social networkingI guess it is an age thing, but I was surprised to see a Barclaycard running on the MasterCard network. In my day Barclaycard seemed to become Visa and Access became MasterCard (I do know that it wasn’t quite like that!).

Anyway, park my misconceptions and this is actually an interesting story: Barclaycard US have launched Barclaycard Ring, a social network credit card/social credit card. Driven by the influence of an online community of card members, the new card will offer a low (8%) interest rate, low fees, simple terms and the opportunity for card members to shape and share in the product’s financial success.

For the first time, through a virtual card member community, Barclaycard Ring card members will have visibility into the card’s financial profit and loss statements. An online framework will provide card members with the ability to influence decisions that impact how the card is managed and serviced and a unique Giveback(TM) program will enable the community to share in the profit generated from its collective decisions.

Using social media, the community will also provide a forum where card members can exchange ideas, share knowledge and provide direct feedback to Barclaycard US to help determine future features of the product.

“Through simple and transparent terms, we want to pull back the curtain that has traditionally separated banks from their customers and give our community a say in weighing economic tradeoffs that can create a better card member experience,” said Paul Wilmore, Managing Director-Consumer Markets, Barclaycard US. Wilmore went on to say, “Some might say we’re creating a virtual credit union or community bank, but we’re taking that model much further by giving our members a seat at the table to help decide what card features and benefits are really best for them.”

Barclaycard Ring is currently in alpha testing and will be available to consumers later this spring.

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3V launches pre-paid ‘youth card’ with parental controls

3V – the global electronic Payments specialists, have launched a customised Chip & PIN Pre-Pay Visa card and money management service for teenagers, introducing the first payment platform to offer comprehensive parental access and controls for the youth market.

via 3V launches pre-paid ‘youth card’ with parental controls.

Visa Europe launches exclusive UK offers portal

Visa Europe yesterday launched an exclusive new web portal offering deals and discounts from popular retail brands exclusively for Visa cardholders in the UK.

The site can either be accessed directly at www.visaoffers.eu/uk/ or via Visa’s Golden Space website at www.visa.co.uk/goldenspace.

The new site creates a unique destination for retailers to engage with a huge base of consumers. At launch, Visa cardholders in the UK can access discounts from over 40 brands tailored for the festive period, such as 30% off Hallmark, 15% off Goldsmiths, 10% off a £20 order at I Want One of Those, 10% off all electronics and accessories for over £49 spend at Dell, and free delivery for over £50 spend at Hamleys.

More on this story >>> Visa Europe launches exclusive UK offers portal.

OFT orders banks to be clear on holiday money charges

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) told the banking industry to make charges for overseas transactions more easily understood by improving credit card summary box information and by revamping websites so that customers will be able to see, at a glance, all the fees that apply.

There is an alternative…get a prepaid foreign currency MasterCard or Visa card and the terms and fees are clear upfront. This may be a case of selecting the right tool for the job. Caxton Fx and Travelex are the ones I’ve used.

Moneystar appoints Citi Prepaid Services in South Africa

Citigroup, through its Global Transaction Services unit, announced that Citibank, N.A., South Africa Branch, has signed an agreement with Moneystar, a financial services provider based in South Africa. Under this arrangement, Moneystar has started disbursing micro loans to eligible loan applicants using Citi’s Visa® Prepaid Card.

via Moneystar Appoints Citi® Prepaid Services in South Africa | Business Wire.

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Starbucks announces UK contactless payment trial

Starbucks: trialling contactless payment in UK stores

Starbucks is to follow rivals such as Costa Coffee and McDonalds by offering contactless payments in its UK stores. The coffee-shop chain has signed a deal with Barclaycard, in partnership with Visa Europe, allowing consumers to pay for products by scanning their contactless credit or debit card over a payment terminal.

Full story Starbucks announces UK contactless payment trial – Brand Republic News

Brands in the balance

salter 1 Brands in the balance

Martin Salter MP

I was at Reading Prison last Friday. It was a photocall for Jail Guitar Doors and one of Reading’s two Members of Parliament, Martin Salter (pictured holding a Heritage H-575 guitar), was helping the cause.

salter 21 Brands in the balance

Salter scales

When Martin Salter introduced himself to one of the inmates he said, “Martin Salter, as in the scales.” He was referring to Salter scales. But as he was talking to a young offender I’m not sure that this reference would have helped. For all I know Chris, the young offender, was trying to recollect where he may have seen Martin’s scales.I know Salter is still a trading brand but it is one of the companies that used to have a huge advantage when their products were used in many shops to weigh produce and groceries.

NCR (National Cash Registers) would be another brand that used to enjoy this free point of sale advantage.

Today’s equivalents are things like Streamline, Visa etc I guess.