Barclaycard Reward Scheme Launches

By Stephen Jones

Barclaycard have announced the launch of their Barclaycard Freedom reward scheme, which will be available to over 8 million credit card customers.

The new programme will allow cardholders to rack up Reward Money for simply using their card – with the bonus being redeemable in around 30,000 participating outlets.

Shell is one of the companies involved in the scheme, meaning that users are able to offset the impact of soaring petrol prices by using their credit card at the pump. Also taking part are a range of widely varying partners, such as LA Fitness; Yo! Sushi, Firebox.com and driving instructor BSM.

Sarah Newman, managing director of Barclaycard Freedom, said: "The simplicity of Barclaycard Freedom means that customers earn Reward Money without the need to do anything extra – they simply use their Barclaycard to make a purchase."

Users will receive the bonus of 1% in the majority of participating outlets, although this will stand at 0.5% in Shell stations – and will usually see the value of their Reward Money appear on the retailer’s card machine before they enter their PIN to purchase.

The move is an innovative one and, as a result, consumers could see a number of other credit card providers moving quickly to follow in Barclaycard’s footsteps.