The Miami Heat has joined the branded credit card business.
The National Basketball Association’s reigning champion is the newest addition to a growing list of sports teams that have launched such programs to reward loyal fans.
The Visa card, issued by Chase, lets fans earn points to redeem for a variety of rewards. To boost signup, an incentive offers 500 bonus points after the first purchase. Card members earn one point for every $1 in eligible card purchases and can redeem rewards starting at 1,000 points. Consumers can sign up at Chase.com.
The program offers 14 redemption levels with rewards ranging from Miami Heat apparel and a locker-room tour to an official game jersey worn by a Heat player. Under the top 100,000 point level, members get a certificate for a choice of two Court of Dreams experiences: the member and nine friends play a five-on-five full-court game at the AmericanAirlines Arena; or 10 friends have dinner with an on-air personality in one of the team meeting rooms during a home game.
In a separate development, Chase has partnered with Soccer United Marketing to launch a credit card for soccer fans. Perks include authentic memorabilia or a VIP trip for two to a men’s or women’s FIFA World Cup qualification game. Under the deal, three types of cards are available: Major League Soccer, the U.S. National Team and the Mexican National Team, featured in 12 different designs. Cardholders earn one point for every dollar spent and can obtain rewards for as few as 1,000 points.
Seven redemption levels range from 1,000 to 100,000 points. For example, a U.S. National Team cardholder can redeem 1,000 points for a U.S. soccer replica ball, emblazoned with a U.S. Soccer Federation crest logo. Ten thousand points earns the U.S. Family Four Pack—four tickets to a domestic men’s or women’s national team game of choice, a parking pass and a concession stand voucher. Some 100,000 points rewards the Ultimate Fan VIP Trip—a trip for two to a men’s or women’s FIFA World Cup qualification game, including airfare, lodging, VIP game tickets, field access during pre-game warm-ups, a stadium tour, and a customized jersey.
People can sign up at Chase booths located at MLS, U.S. National Team and Mexican National Team games in the U.S., as well as all InterLiga tournament games during game play. Online materials support both initiatives.
This year, a number of other sports properties have launched branded credit card, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, the National Football League, the LA Sparks and the National Hockey League.
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