MUMBAI: Universal Studios has entered into a multi-year marketing and financial services alliance with GE Money and American Express.
By joining forces, American Express becomes the official payment of choice at Universal Studios Theme Parks Resorts; GE Money becomes the Parks’ official financial services sponsor; and the companies launch the new Universal American Express Card issued by GE Money.
Universal Studios Partnerships executive vice president Stephanie Sperber made the announcement.
Qualified applicants can receive their new Card within minutes by visiting GE Money Access Centers at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood. This innovative technology is unique to the GE Money-Universal-American Express partnership and is currently available only at Universal Parks & Resorts properties in the US. New Cardmembers receive valuable offers the day they sign up. This may include discounts on select merchandise and restaurants throughout Universal Parks and CityWalk, plus exciting premiums such as front of line attraction admittance or exclusive VIP access at Universal Parks and other special events.
The newly-launched Universal American Express Card issued by GE Money, is issued exclusively on the American Express network and provides one of the broadest and most robust entertainment rewards programs in the industry. Cardmembers of this unique co-branded credit card can earn Universal Rewards points towards valuable redemption opportunities including Universal movie premieres, private screenings, theme park tickets, Universal Studios VIP tours, special vacation packages and cash rewards. Cardmembers also earn double points on qualifying purchases within Universal Parks and Resorts properties and for every day purchases at stand-alone gas stations and grocery stores.
Through the agreement American Express has the first opportunity to participate in product placement and co-promotion on Universal Pictures and Focus Features’ films in the payment services category. GE Money will have a presence at high-profile theme park attractions including Jurassic Park and Twister, with American Express named the exclusive sponsor of the VIP Tour. The partnership also sets the stage for ongoing offers and promotions for anyone holding an American Express Card, ranging from discounts at the park to special once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experiences.
"With this partnership we are maximizing the assets of three great brands: American Express, one of the world’s premier payment card companies, GE Money, an internationally renowned financial services provider, and Universal Studios, a leading media and destination-based entertainment company. "The nature of this alliance provides Universal with an endless range of potential marketing opportunities, of which the consumer is the ultimate beneficiary," said Sperber.
"We are delighted to deepen our relationship with GE Money and begin a new partnership with Universal. Through this new Card and sponsorship, we’re able to open up new opportunities for all American Express Cardmembers to experience unprecedented access to amazing entertainment experiences," said American Express corporate spokesperson Robert Glick.
"GE Money is very pleased to partner with Universal and American Express as the official issuer of this exciting card program. The card provides a wide variety of ways to earn points for use at many popular Universal venues and events. We’re very optimistic that the Universal American Express Card from GE Money will become the sought after payment product among consumers interested in leveraging their everyday purchases toward exciting entertainment rewards," said GE Money’s Retail Consumer Finance (Stamford) president and CEO Margaret Keane.
