National City Launches Points-Based Rewards Program

Points are redeemable for a wide range of rewards that cater to the diverse needs and interests of consumers and small businesses, including gift cards from leading retailers and restaurants, office supplies, travel packages and consumer electronics.

Among the most comprehensive banking rewards programs in the industry, points from National City allows small business owners to combine their business and consumer points into one account, greatly enhancing reward opportunities and distinguishing the program from others in the industry. Families also can accelerate accumulation of points by consolidating multiple accounts from one household.

“National City has long been a leader in making banking simple for lives that are not. With points from National City, we’re also making banking more rewarding by giving something back to our customers for things they do every day,” said National City Vice Chairman Peter E. Raskind.

“Customers have many choices when it comes to choosing a banking partner, and we appreciate the business they entrust to us. We’re committed to helping them achieve their financial goals over the long term, and with points from National City, making their lives more rewarding along the way,” said Daniel J. Frate, executive vice president of retail banking for National City.

Enrollment in points from National City is free and simply requires a National City checking account with a Visa CheckCard. Reward offerings are extensive and points accumulate quickly through generous one-time bonus points for the addition and first-time use of qualifying National City products or services. For example, with as few as 2,000 points, customers can receive a $5 Starbucks or Olive Garden gift card.

Customers also can choose to accumulate points for larger rewards, with a four-year redemption window. For example, a typical consumer or small business customer can earn approximately 80,000 points in the first year of the program through ongoing transaction and bonus points. Redemption opportunities at that level range from an iPod speaker system to a variety of Great American Day adventures, including racing a NASCAR race car and taking a hot air balloon ride.

Customers can significantly accelerate redemption opportunities by consolidating points from National City accounts. For example, a typical small business owner who combines their business and personal accounts could earn 140,000 points during the first year of the program. Redemption opportunities at that level include domestic round-trip airfare with no blackout dates and three-night getaways at more than 100 popular resorts.