Fleet Credit Card Services has started an exclusive promotion for its Fusion smart Visa credit card with Compaq Computer Corp. that takes advantage of Compaq's Internet keyboard.
All new Compaq Presario 5000 and 7000 Series desktop PCs feature a tear-off tag promoting the new card. The tag directs customers to the Web site http://compaq.fusioncard.com to receive further information about the card's features. Consumers will be able to apply for the card online beginning July 15.
The PCs also have a dedicated “hot button” on the keyboard that connects the consumer directly to the Fusion card site.
“We chose to promote the card with Compaq because they were the first to come out with an Internet keyboard,” said Erik Buchmiller, vice president of business development at Fleet Credit Card Services, Horsham, PA, a subsidiary of FleetBoston Financial. “Compaq's user demographic also matches our demographic.” Buchmiller would not disclose specifics regarding the customer demographics.
Fleet also plans to start a direct mail campaign to promote the card within two to three months. Buchmiller said that it was too early to disclose specifics.
The Compaq PCs include a smart-card reader built into the keyboard that lets cardholders scan the password-protected card for online shopping. It also allows users to enter the Fusion card Web site to view account balances, rewards program information and perform balance transfers.
The no-fee card includes an optional rewards program in which consumers earn one point for each dollar spent on retail purchases, or airline miles on any U.S.-based carrier. Cardholders receive 1,000 points at enrollment. The card also will include a “Cash Back Marketplace” program as of July 16, in which cardholders may earn up to 15 percent cash back when shopping at 200 partner online merchants.
