Financial giant Chase launched its annual Ultimate Rewards holiday promotions on November 3, offering cardholders limited-time deals, including bonus gift cards and rewards points.
“It’s a good time for our customers to think how they can best use their rewards and get the most from them,” said Rob Rosenblatt, general manager of customer loyalty for Chase Card Services. “People are still being very careful about not spending beyond their means, so the value they get out of their rewards really matters.”
One holiday promotion is “Give a gift, get a free gift card,” an initiative that rewards cardholders who redeem 5,000 or more points on merchandise in a single transaction between November 14 and December 20 with Best Buy gift cards. Consumers who redeem 5,000 points will receive $10 cards, while those turning in 10,000 points will get a $25 card.
On November 29 – known to online shoppers as “Cyber Monday” – Chase will give consumers 30% off merchandise purchases with unredeemed Ultimate Rewards points.
Chase is also conducting the “Eight is Great” promotion between November 26 and November 30. During that time, it will allow Ultimate Rewards members who shop online through the program’s mall to earn eight bonus points for every dollar spent at a handful of merchants, including Macy’s, Apple and Toys “R” Us.
The financial company has also created a microsite for the promotions. It will promote them through e-mail marketing, print advertising and promotions on Oprah.com.
Chase has also partnered with gift etiquette expert and author Leah Ingram, who will offer gift-giving tips on the microsite next month. She will also take part in a media tour touting the offers.
Chase conducted a national marketing campaign this summer promoting changes to Ultimate Rewards. The effort was created by agency Mcgarrybowen and included a sweepstakes, print, online, location and national broadcast TV and cinema elements. Changes to the loyalty program put into place earlier this year included access for debit card members, and combined points among Ultimate Rewards accounts for members.
