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Universal Studios, FNBO to Launch Co-Branded Credit Card
Universal Studios is teaming up with First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) for a new rewards card.
About the partnership and card:
Universal Destinations & Experiences (which includes the popular Universal Studios destinations) has announced a new partnership with FNBO. This collaboration will result in a new co-branded card program for the Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Additionally, the duo will be working with Visa, which will serve as the resorts’ “official way to pay.”
The new card will be known as the Universal Rewards Plus Visa Signature Card and is expected to debut early next year. Although full details for the product have yet to be revealed, Universal did state that it would include exclusive perks, benefits, and experiences. This includes the ability to earn rewards for Universal products, while travel will apparently be highlighted in the card’s rewards. It also sounds as though cardholders will have multiple designs to choose from, each featuring Universal characters.
Beyond the card itself, Universal states that select Visa cardholders will be able to take advantage of special food, beverage, and merchandise benefits. A Universal theme parks VIP Lounge will also be available to these cardholders.
Other theme park cards:
Universal Studios isn’t the only theme park or amusement park to have its own co-branded card. For example, Chase offers two versions of the Disney Visa Card. While Disney’s footprint is larger than just the theme parks, the Chase cards do include park perks such as discounts, exclusive meet and greet opportunities, and more.
Meanwhile, in 2021, Credit One introduced a co-branded card with the amusement park chain Six Flags. However, the card has since been discontinued, with links for the former product now directing customers to the Credit One Wander card.
What they’re saying:
Announcing the upcoming product, Universal Destinations & Experiences’ President of Global Marketing Alice Norsworthy stated, “By forming this partnership with Visa, we can offer unique theme park benefits to cardholders and further enhance our guest experience/ Even more exciting is the launch of the Universal Rewards Plus Visa Signature Card with FNBO. This will put the thrills of Universal in the hands of our fans and provide a new way to earn rewards and get exclusive benefits.”
Additionally, FNBO EVP Jerry O’Flanagan said, “We are excited to partner with an elite organization like Universal Destinations & Experiences. Universal is an expert at entertainment, and when paired with our consumer financial expertise, our shared customers are going to experience an unmatched value.”
My thoughts:
As a theme park fan myself, I feel compelled to point out that this new co-branded card’s arrival happens to correspond with big expansion plans for Universal. In Orlando, the company is currently constructing its third theme park at the Resort: Epic Universe (there’s also a water park they occasionally like to refer to as a third park, but it’s not). On top of that, they’ve also announced smaller-scale projects, including a year-round haunt in Las Vegas and a family-focused park in Texas. Therefore, it makes sense that the division would see itself as being large enough to support a co-branded card product that will serve its hardcover fans.
In terms of whether or not the card will be worth it, that will depend on some key details. For one, the press release makes it sound as though the card’s rewards can only be redeemed at Universal. If that’s the case, it could be a turn-off to some (although others might delight in automatically earmarking extra vacation funds). It also remains to be seen just how exciting these exclusive offerings are. But, if Universal and FNBO can deliver a card on the level of the Chase Disney Visa, I foresee it being a hit with its target market.
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