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Rakuten.com and First Bankcard Kick Off Rakuten Rewards MasterCard Program [Health & Beauty Close - Up](Health & Beauty Close - Up Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Rakuten Inc., an Internet services company, and First Bankcard have launched the Rakuten Rewards MasterCard Program, which provides cardholders with reward points for using their credit card to shop on the Rakuten.com website and elsewhere. In a release, the companies noted: The Rakuten Rewards MasterCard Program will be integrated with the existing Rakuten Super Points Loyalty Program to provide additional points to cardholders for both qualifying purchases on Rakuten.com and on qualifying purchases everywhere else MasterCard is accepted. In addition, customers who are instantly approved will be able to complete their purchases with their new Rakuten Rewards MasterCard the same day they apply. "First Bankcard has a very personalized approach, and it was very evident to us that they have a commitment to their customers. Given Rakuten's own customer-centric methodology, it seemed to offer a perfect fit for our new U.S. credit card program as we seek to build a larger presence in the U.S. market and further drive our digital retail business," said Masatada 'Seichu' Kobayashi, chief executive officer, Rakuten.com. "We have seen tremendous synergy between our marketplace and credit card businesses in Japan, where our Rakuten credit card users have been found to enjoy shopping with us 52 percent more frequently and spend 38 percent more than other customers." According to Stephen Eulie, president of First Bankcard, the new credit card program underscores First Bankcard's commitment to provide value-added business solutions to its customers. "We're dedicated to creating possibilities that will help our partners grow their businesses and drive customer loyalty, whether it's in their local communities or worldwide," Eulie said. "Rakuten has a strong international brand, and we're excited to help support its growth in the United States." First Bankcard reported that Rakuten Rewards MasterCard members will earn three points per dollar spent on all qualifying purchases made on Rakuten.com and one point per dollar spent on qualifying purchases everywhere else MasterCard is accepted. Each point earned under the Credit Card Rewards Program equates to one Rakuten Super Point redeemable only through the Rakuten Program. Rakuten Super Points are redeemable toward purchases on Rakuten.com. For a limited time, consumers who apply for the new Rakuten MasterCard online, and are approved, will receive 3,000 points (a $30 value) to use on a Rakuten.com purchase. First Bankcard, a division of First National Bank of Omaha, serves financial institutions, co-brand and affinity partners. First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska, a privately owned banking company in the United States. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |