Capcom is the first video game company in North America to offer a co-branded Visa rewards card program specifically designed for gamers. The Capcom Unity Visa card program is now available for immediate online enrollment at http://www.capcom-unity-card.com.
This is not a credit card, but an innovative user-funded prepaid card that works anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, earning a precedent-setting series of cash back, points on Capcom's community website Capcom-Unity.com, accelerated rewards from select retail and merchandise partners, discounts and exclusive access. Most importantly, Capcom's enthusiastic fan base will be able to pay for dinner, get money from an ATM or buy games with a Visa card featuring some of the most recognizable video game characters on the planet, from games such as Street Fighter® IV and Resident Evil® 5.
"The Capcom Unity Visa is a truly unique program, a first in the video game industry," said Mark Beaumont, chief operating officer and head of Capcom consumer software publishing in the Americas and Europe. "Not only are we connecting our consumers with their favorite brands in an innovative way, but we're also giving them an expansive rewards program that will let them participate in the Capcom community at a greater level."
The Capcom Unity Visa prepaid card represents a true fiscal alternative for Capcom fans, allowing them to pick from several Capcom-themed prepaid card designs - including initial designs featuring art and images from Resident Evil 5, Street Fighter IV and Bionic Commando®, with more designs to be offered regularly in the future - and control how much money is available on their prepaid card through easy and efficient online account access. Since this is not a credit card, almost everyone in North America over the age of 13 can qualify, with absolutely no impact to their credit history. Purchases are protected by Visa's Zero Liability Policy, and funds deposited on the card are fully FDIC-insured.
The card is issued by Prepaid Solutions USA, a service of West Suburban Bank in the western suburbs of Chicago. "Working together, Capcom and West Suburban Bank have been able to create a truly innovative loyalty program that combines cash back and online rewards with experiential rewards that go far beyond the norm," said Daniel P. Grotto, President of Prepaid Solutions USA at West Suburban Bank. "We are very excited to be a part of the launch of the Capcom Unity Visa card program. It will provide a safe and easy way for cardholders to pay for purchases wherever Visa is accepted."
Unity members can go to any of thousands of Visa ReadyLink locations, transfer money online from their bank accounts directly to their Capcom Unity Visa card, set up regular transfers from their accounts or even establish direct deposit from their employers. The Capcom Unity Visa card can be used to pay bills electronically, as well as instantly pay other Capcom Unity Visa card holders. The Capcom Unity Visa card allows Capcom fans the freedom to access their cash where and when they need it, protecting themselves from bank overdraft fees while allowing them to pay with the card anywhere that Visa is accepted. There are no paper statements generated or checks to be printed or paper check registers; users can choose to receive updates and alerts via email or text messages and all transactions are digitally recorded for the cardholder automatically, and can be viewed online.
The Capcom Unity Visa card will reward cardholders in three different ways: earning points on Capcom-Unity.com, earning cash back from online or signature-based purchases and earning accelerated rewards through the online "Capcom rewards mall." For every dollar cardholders deposit on the Capcom Unity Visa card they will earn 5 Capcom Unity points which can be used in a number of different ways on the community website, including the new Auctions and Raffle features. Capcom Unity Visa cardholders will also earn one-half percent of cash back from all signature purchases - the cardholder then has the option to either redeposit the cash onto the card for additional use or purchase discounted gift cards from retail partners at the online rewards mall. Those same purchases will also qualify for accelerated rewards ranging from 0.5% to 20% from over 750 retailers, including iTunes®, BestBuy.com®, Target.com® and many more.
Capcom is developing a larger suite of rewards for Capcom Unity card holders above and beyond the standard incentives. Not only will Unity members be earning points on Capcom Unity with every purchase, but Unity card holders will find a new level of access to all things Capcom opening to them. Unity card holders may be able to "jump the line" at Capcom events or gatherings, gain access to Beta tests for new Capcom or other "experiential" rewards that extend beyond the online space, such as being written into a Capcom game or comic book or possibly even being an extra in a Capcom movie. Using the Capcom Unity Visa at Capcom's own e-store will also save players 15% on their purchase, which means real savings on the games they were planning on buying.