AUSTIN, TX and MILWAUKEE, WI (December 30, 2013) -- Guardian Credit Union today announced that it has selected the merchant-funded debit loyalty program from Buzz Points for its members. Guardian Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Milwaukee County with assets of over $225 million and serves over 35,000 members.
Austin-based Buzz Points rewards account holders for using their debit card and for shopping local. Participants of the free program earn points on their transactions that can be redeemed for local gift cards, cash cards, and donations to local non-profits. Members can earn even more points by shopping at one of the 7500 locally owned merchants in the Buzz network.
“Guardian Credit Union, with a history dating back to 1934, has a reputation for delivering advanced products and services to its members,” said Jay Valanju, CEO of Buzz Points. “Buzz Points not only enables members to earn points for gift cards that can be redeemed or donated to local charities, but can also strengthen local economies in the surrounding area.”
Various studies have indicated that of $100 spent with national retailers, anywhere from $13 to $33 remains in the community, whereas that same $100 spent with local merchants results in $50 to $60 staying in the region.
“We look forward to rolling out the Buzz Points program to all six of our branches in the greater Milwaukee area,” stated Steve Wesson, President & CEO of Guardian Credit Union. “In this digital age we found the social aspect of the program especially appealing whereby our members can earn extra points for connecting to Facebook and Twitter and sharing their rewards experience with friends.”
About Buzz Points
Buzz Points partners with community financial institutions and local businesses in 16 states to provide a debit card rewards program with a Buy Local theme to the financial institution’s account holders. Buzz Points is product of fisoc, Inc. and is located in Austin, TX. It was founded in 2010 by a team with many years of experience in the technology, banking, and social media industries. Buzz Points was selected by PULSE, a Discover Financial Services Company, to power its debit loyalty program. Buzz Point investors include Lead Edge Capital, Greycroft Partners, KEC Holdings, Metamorphic Ventures, Daylight Partners and Angel Investors. For more information, please visit: www.buzzpoints.com.
Buzz Points is a trademark of fisoc, Inc. Other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.