US Squash will soon be issuing an affinity credit card for squash players, US Squash members and enthusiasts. Affinity cards, pioneered over 25 years ago, carry the branding of an association and deliver benefits that are unique to those members. The cards link peoples’ spending with their professions or passions—in this case, the love of squash. The US Squash card is issued by PartnersFirst, a division of Torrey Pines Bank based in San Diego. When it is used for purchases, rewards points can be redeemed for squash items ranging from US Squash apparel to unique experiences such as VIP U.S. Open tickets and access to player receptions.
In addition, when card holders use the card to purchase directly from the new US Squash online store, they earn double points toward their rewards. Similar to other affinity card programs, the issuer will compensate the association. In this case, any income will be directed to the US Squash Junior Development Endowment Fund which provides grants to seed new junior programs around the country.
“We are pleased to be delivering benefits that our members have asked for repeatedly,” said Kevin Klipstein, CEO of US Squash. “This is not your garden-variety credit card offer. It is our hope that squash players recognize this as an easy way to further the sport they are passionate about and at the same time, get better benefits than their other cards offer. In addition, there are two other huge pluses: The first being access to unique squash experiences, and the second being the knowledge that they are helping their sport grow and develop.”
US Squash will be actively marketing the program starting in January 2008 with easy access to apply on www.us-squash.org, and through other materials distributed at events and in clubs throughout the US.
