Credit Cards Online Information

In the past few months, both Wal-Mart and J.C. Penney have begun to enhance their customer relationships by partnering with GE Capital to provide private label credit cards to their customers. In addition to making shopping more convenient for their customers, the private label credit card programs also deliver demographic information the retailers can use to enhance their marketing programs.

"At Wal-Mart, customer service is a priority," said Elise Garner, a company spokeswoman. Wal-Mart credit cards are "a great convenience," she explained. "Customers can shop and not have to worry about having enough cash for a purchase."

There is no annual fee for the Wal-Mart card, no expiration date and no finance charge if full payment is made each month. The interest rate on the card is "competitive with other credit card companies," said Garner.

Garner said Wal-Mart is in the process of expanding the number of outlets where consumers can use the card to include leased businesses that operate inside or adjacent to a Wal-Mart, such as Baskin Robbins, the in-store hair care salons and Murphy Oil-a gas station service that Wal-Mart offers at many of its super-center locations.

Garner noted that Wal-Mart has begun to direct market to its credit card customers by including special promotional offers and announcements in their monthly bill statements. The service alerts Wal-Mart's card-holding members to upcoming sales and offers that are not available to non-card holders.

Last December, J.C. Penney announced that GE Capital would re-launch the J.C. Penney credit card, with enhanced customer benefits and more favorable repayment terms. GE Capital also is providing new marketing programs and support for J.C. Penney customers shopping online.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:39 AM