CardMarketing 2.0

Specialist pet retailer, PetSmart, is offering its customers a fun new way to earn rewards for themselves and their pets: it's allowing them to put an edge-to-edge picture of their little bundle of fluff, six foot snake (or whatever their pet may be!) on their PetPerks Visa card. Alternatively, they can choose from a library of predesigned 'pet-themed' card designs. In the words of PetSmart, people never have to leave home without their pet again.

The PetPerks Visa rewards card is issued by WAMU and (excuse the rather tired pun) is a natural home for the growing phenomenon of card customization. It's a no-annual fee card and comes with the following benefits:

• Earn three points for every dollar spent on purchases at PetSmart, PetSmart.com and Banfield, The Pet Hospital(R), and earn one point per dollar spent everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted.
• Redeem points for rewards like PetSmart gift cards, donations to PetSmart Charities, travel rewards and statement credits, starting at just 2,000 points.
• Receive a $20 PetSmart gift card after using the card for the first time within one year.
• Online applicants will receive 0% introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for the first six months on purchases and balance transfers requested at the time of application.

"The new PetSmart PetPerks Visa is a valuable extension of our PetPerks loyalty program, rewarding members every time they shop at PetSmart as well as other places," said Mary Miller, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, PetSmart, Inc. "In addition to offering great benefits, pet parents can proudly display a photo of their beloved pet on the card."