Mastercard (No. 7 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies list) announced that The Kroger Co. has chosen the company to be the network for the grocery retailer’s 1-2-3 REWARDS co-brand credit card program. The cards will continue to be issued by U.S. Bancorp.
“The Kroger 1-2-3 REWARDS credit card is an important part of how we reward our loyal shoppers,” said Gary Millerchip, CEO of Kroger Personal Finance. “We are always looking for partnerships that support our business strategy of creating value for customers by lowering costs throughout the business and we are excited for this new partnership with Mastercard.”
The new suite of credit cards will enable shoppers to earn valuable points with each purchase that can be used to pay for food and other merchandise at Kroger grocery stores. Shoppers also will receive exclusive fuel discounts and personalized shopping coupons, while enjoying access to exclusive Mastercard benefits. The card program will launch by the end of 2017, with new cards to be issued by Spring 2018.
John Steward, president of Retail Payments Solutions at U.S. Bank, said, “U.S. Bank and Kroger have enjoyed a long and successful partnership that continues to grow and evolve. Mastercard’s assets and capabilities align well with our future plans for the Kroger 1-2-3 REWARDS credit card program and support our shared commitment to delivering relevant value to the many Kroger shoppers throughout the U.S.”
“Kroger is a leader in innovation and we are pleased to join with them and U.S. Bank to provide their cardholders with a unique program to earn and redeem rewards,” said Linda Kirkpatrick, executive vice president, Market Development, Mastercard. “Consumers want a card program that meets their specific shopping needs and together with Kroger and U.S. Bank, we provide the flexibility that best fit their lifestyle.”
