Looking to revamp its credit card rewards program to keep up with market and consumer trends, Disney and its partner, Chase, have re-launched their flagship Disney Visa Rewards Card. Wildly popular with consumers in the past, the new version of the card promises to rev up its offerings in both size and speed.
PYMNTS.com caught up with Bob Belan, General Manager of Chase Card Services, to chat about the Disney magic that powers this new Visa Rewards card.
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For our readers who may not be familiar, please give us a brief overview of the Disney Rewards® Visa® Card program.
In 2003, Chase and Disney launched the Disney Rewards® Visa® Card – a no-fee credit card offering Disney customers 1% in Disney Dream Reward Dollars® on all purchases made on the Card, the ability to redeem toward just about anything Disney (with no block-out dates) and access to special Cardmember perks when visiting Walt Disney World® Resort and Disneyland® Resort and when shopping at Disney Store and Disneystore.com. Since its inception, millions of Disney customers have acquired the Card to take advantage of the valuable benefits that it offers.
Why did Chase/Disney decide to create Disney’s Premier Visa® Card from Chase?
The marketplace for rewards credit cards has evolved since the Disney Rewards® Visa® Card was launched nine years ago. Our latest research with Disney customers (prospective and existing Cardmembers) showed customers wanted to earn rewards faster. Offering the ability to earn 2% on Card purchases at restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores and most Disney locations is a great rewards earning accelerator. In addition, our priority has been providing a rewards program that is very easy to use – including a huge variety of rewards. For that reason, in addition to redeeming at Disney, Disney’s Premier Visa® Card members will also have the option to redeem toward airline travel on any airline to any destination, with no block-out dates. Cardmembers simply buy airline tickets with their Card and then pay themselves back by redeeming reward dollars for a credit on their monthly statement. We’re pleased to offer these additional benefits on Disney’s Premier Visa® Card – all for a low $49 annual fee.
What are some of the unique benefits offered by the Premier Card as compared with the rewards card?
With Disney’s Premier Visa® Card, Cardmembers earn 2% in Disney Dream Reward Dollars® on card purchases made at restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and most US Disney locations. Cardmembers earn 1% on all other purchases. In addition to being able to redeem toward just about anything Disney, Disney’s Premier Visa® Card members can also redeem toward airline travel on any airline to any destination with no block-out dates.
Customers can also choose from eight new magical double-sided card designs featuring some of the most beloved Disney Characters including Sorcerer Mickey, Tinker Bell and Lightning McQueen. These custom designs are reserved exclusively for Disney’s Premier Visa® Card members.
New Cardmembers can apply for Disney’s Premier Visa® Card at www.getdisneycreditcard.com or by calling (888) 752-3788. Existing Disney Rewards® Visa Card members can request an upgrade to Disney’s Premier Visa® Card by visiting www.upgrademydisneycard.com or call the number on the back of the card. The annual fee for Disney’s Premier Visa® Card is $49.
Why did Disney decide to partner with Visa and Chase for its card ventures?
From Chase’s perspective, Disney has been a long-standing strategic relationship of ours and we are pleased to deepen that relationship through the launch of this new Card product designed specifically for Disney fans within the U.S. market.
Why should consumers sign up for a Disney premier or rewards card?
Both Disney’s Premier Visa® Card and the Disney Rewards® Visa Card are must-have credit cards for Disney fans. Both Cards deliver on the Disney promise of creating special memories that last a lifetime – providing a valuable rewards program that Disney customers can really use including a wide variety of rewards and easy, flexible redemption options.
In addition to the benefits already noted, all Disney’s Visa® Cardmembers have access to amazing perks 365 days a year. At Walt Disney World® and the Disneyland® Resort, Cardmembers enjoy:
Disney Cardmembers will also enjoy the following benefits:
How have the recent financial regulations impacted Disney’s approach to payment cards and related loyalty programs?
From Chase’s perspective, we remain committed to providing our Cardmembers with benefits that meet their specific needs and that allow them to earn valuable rewards for purchases made on their Disney credit card.
Just for fun, if you had to pick a design or theme for your Disney card, which would it be?
That’s tough – all 8 card designs are truly amazing but if I had to pick just one, it would be the new Sorcerer Mickey Card – it’s classic, iconic and the double-sided design certainly makes it the most unique card in my wallet!
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
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