Abstract: A service provider can increase customer loyalty to their brand by offering branded products related to their business for sale to the general consumer. Points may be awarded in the service provider's rewards program at an accelerated earning rate when the consumer purchases a branded retail product using a transaction account linked to the rewards program. Accumulated points may then be used in exchange for goods and services provided by the service provider. A discount rate certificate may be awarded to the customer when an account is opened in the rewards program. Once the customer has spent a certain monetary amount using the transaction account, the customer may be awarded preferred membership status in the service provider's rewards program. The preferred membership status is awarded regardless of whether the spending is direct spend or non-direct spend, and does not require a minimum amount of direct spend with the service provider.

Abstract: A service-related merchant may link its rewards program to a transaction account held by a consumer. Points may be awarded to the transaction account at an accelerated earning rate for various types of spend by the consumer, such as every day spend and direct spend. Additionally, points earned through any use of the transactional card are deposited directly into the rewards program offered by the service provider, rather than a generic rewards program offered by the transactional card company. Accumulated points in the rewards program may then be used directly in exchange for goods and services provided by the merchant. Such exchange occurs directly between the customer and the service provider. VIP status in the service provider's reward program may be earned solely on the basis of spend using the transactional card, and does not require a minimum amount of direct spend with the service provider.