Amazon’s reach in UK payments has been significantly stepped up with the company launching the market’s first co-branded card, in partnership with a major high-street bank.
Launched with Barclays, the Amazon Barclaycard is a credit card which allows users to earn rewards on everyday spending which can be redeemed for gift cards on Amazon’s UK website.
The launch marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the two companies, which are major players in the banking and e-commerce sectors respectively. Amazon has become increasingly involved in other areas over recent years, however, notably payments and technology.
For example, VIsa is a member of the AWS Partner Network, part of the e-commerce giant’s Amazon Web Services (AWS) network. VIsa is also playing a role in the Barclaycard credit card, powering the offering for use worldwide and utilising its fraud prevention capabilities and covering the card with its zero liability policy.
John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager, said: “We’re excited to introduce the Amazon Barclaycard – designed to offer cardmembers ways to earn rewards for their Amazon purchases and every day activities with no annual fee.
“Delivering value to our customers is incredibly important to us, so we’re delighted to introduce a new payment option that allows customers to save and earn on Amazon.”
Specifics of the Amazon Barclaycard will see users earn 1% rewards on all Amazon purchases, 0.5% rewards on everyday spending outside Amazon during the first 12 months of use, and 0.25% after this.
Amazon Prime members will get 2% from Amazon spending using the card on designated shopping event days. These include the Cyber Monday, Black Friday and Prime Day dates, three important dates in the worldwide shopping calendar and times with a significant spike in activity and sales on Amazon.
Steve Weston, Head of Everyday Money Management at Barclays, remarked: “We’re delighted to introduce the Amazon Barclaycard, the perfect credit card for anyone who loves to shop at Amazon and wants to be rewarded for doing so on their everyday spend.
“This partnership highlights our commitment to deliver compelling offers for customers as part of our strategy to grow our UK credit card business.”
