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Sony, working with Bank One, offers the Sony Card. Points, which rack up with each dollar spent, can be redeemed for Sony merchandise. Cardholders, both new and current, were also offered the opportunity to attend a John Mayer concert in Bryant Park in New York City earlier this summer. The price of admission? A Sony credit card in hand or a completed application.
Newcomer Stratus Rewards entered the rewards marketplace with a Visa card issued by U.S. Bank this spring. Stratus Rewards bills itself as an invitation-only lifestyle club offering a globally accepted credit card. Members earn points with every purchase which can be redeemed on their own or pooled with other members' points to obtain an even bigger reward, such as travel on a private jet.
Other unique experiences that can be achieved by earning a certain number of points include a yoga session with Gwyneth Paltrow or a consultation with entertaining expert Colin Cowie. Alternatively, members can choose to use their points to make charitable donations. The catch with Stratus Rewards is that membership costs $1,500 per year for the primary cardholder and $500 for each secondary cardholder — a very hefty fee, despite the allure of the rewards.
Relevant Rewards — Real Help
Those who are not interested in concert tickets or a stay at a fancy hotel can sign up for a myriad of cards offering practical incentives. For example, new to the credit card market are cards that earn points toward your mortgage. Citi Home Mastercard and GMAC Mortgage MasterCard are two players in this field.
