“Our cardholders are continually looking for a great deal and a rewarding shopping experience,” said Mario Shiliashki, group head of emerging payments for MasterCard. “And, the way they get information and shop is changing.

“They are increasingly using digital media, social networks and mobile apps in new ways to uncover new information and opportunities for greater deals and discounts,” he said. “MasterCard is working to provide consumers an enhanced, more streamlined, shopping experience.

“This announcement is the latest example of how MasterCard is working to provide these value added services to consumers through the channels where they are and with which they are familiar.”

MasterCard is a global payments and technology company.

Shopkick is a mobile application that hands consumers high-value rewards, offers and exclusive deals at the company’s retail partners simply for walking into stores and malls.

Redeemable rewards
Via the partnership, cardholders can earn kicks, a proprietary reward currency, when they link their card to shopkick’s Buy & Collect program and make qualifying purchases.

From there, users can redeem their kicks for gift cards, music downloads, movie tickets or other offers.

Additionally, consumers can also receive 250 bonus kicks for each MasterCard card they link to the Buy & Collect program, for a limited time during the kickoff period.

“This partnership with shopkick is one piece of MasterCard’s mobile innovations – including PayPass Wallet, PayPass Online, PayPass Contactless, PayPass API, as well as strategic partnerships with Intel, Isis, Orange, Barclaycard, Telefonica, Google, Turkcell, Citi, mFoundry and BOKU, all with the goal of making payments simpler, safer and more secure,” Mr. Shiliashki said.

“MasterCard understands that the way we make payments is rapidly changing and is constantly working with key players in the industry to meet the growing needs of consumers and merchants alike,” he said.

Leveraging mobile
Shoppers who link their MasterCard card to Buy & Collect will qualify for offers such as “spend $40 and receive 250 kicks” at retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters, Arden B., Crate and Barrel, Old Navy, Toys ‘R’ Us and Wet Seal.

A mobile initiative such as this is a great way to drive in-store traffic and get consumers involved.

“MasterCard and shopkick are working closely together to communicate the news to cardholders, customers and other through our respective traditional and social media channels,” Mr. Shiliashki  said.

Final Take