Cendant Adds Rewards To Support Preferred Deals
<B> Cendant Adds Rewards To Support Preferred Deals</B>
By Mary Ann McNulty
In the latest twist on card reward programs, Cendant Business Services--formerly PHH/Paymentech--is adding a program to its corporate MasterCard that allows travelers to earn bonus points for using preferred vendors as well as for every dollar charged to the card.
In a program to debut this fall, Cendant, Hunt Valley, Md., is trying to help companies motivate their employees to use the card at preferred hotels, airlines, car rental and other travel and entertainment companies designated by the corporations. The Cendant card can be used for T&E, fleet and purchasing.
"There are a lot of rewards programs out there, but most of them are designed to benefit either the sponsoring company or the individual cardholders," said William Brooks, general manager of Cendant Business Services.
"The Cendant Rewards Program has major value for both. Companies get excited about successfully motivating employees to use their cards to reduce costs and leverage purchasing volume."
At press time, Cendant was finalizing the point earning schedule, with plans to announce it as the card officially debuts. In most other programs, cardholders earn one point for every dollar charged to the card. Bonus points can be earned on purchases from Cendant companies, which include Avis, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Knights Inn, Ramada, Resorts Condominium International, Village Lodge and Wingate Inns.
Cendant Business Services will deliver a policy-driven point schedule, arranged to the client's needs, said a company spokeswoman. "It will be easy for companies to apply and is designed to help them manage their purchasing leverage," she added.
Points can be redeemed by cardholders for travel certificates on any airline, with no blackout dates or restrictions, at any of the Cendant brand travel companies or for other Cendant products and services such as club memberships, tax preparation services, mortgage services and merchandise.
The cost to participate in the rewards program is $75. Other reward programs available on corporate cards carry price tags ranging from $40 to $80.
GE Capital last year introduced a similar program that rewards travelers for following corporate travel policy. There, corporations determine what actions will earn a traveler extra points.