Sections: Official News Jun 19th, 2006 40 Comments 
MINI Financial Services, a division of BMW Financial Services North America, will launch its MINI Card, a customizable VISA credit card that allows cardholders to design their own credit card image using a patent-pending, Web-based Configurator.
During the online or e-mail MINI Card application process, MINI owners and brand enthusiasts alike are directed to the online Card Configuratorâ„¢, where they are guided through the process of configuring the MINI image they want on the face of their new MINI Card.
“The MINI brand is rooted in individuality and self-expression, so it made sense to compliment those brand values when creating the MINI Card,†says Ed Robinson, CEO of BMW Financial Services, Americas Region, which includes MINI FS. “MINI motorists revel in the fact that no two MINI vehicles are exactly the same, so why should their MINI credit card be any different? The Configurator allows MINI lovers the option of customizing the MINI image on their card just as they would customize their own cars.â€Â
MINI Motoring Rewards:
Every MINI Card includes a no-fee MINI Motoring Rewards program, allowing users to accrue unlimited Motoring Points in a billing cycle. MINI Motoring Rewards points are earned for every $1 spent in net purchases, with points doubling (2 points for every $1 spent in net purchases) on motoring-related purchases including gasoline, car washes and bridge/road toll fees. Motoring Points are redeemed in $50 increments (5,000 Motoring Points is equal to $50 in MINI Motoring Rewards).
Once a cardholder has accumulated enough MINI Motoring Reward Points, they may use it toward purchasing a myriad of MINI products, services and exclusive MINI events and experiences including:
MINI Motoring Reward Points may also be donated to hundreds of national charities via MINI Giving Rewards.
“The MINI Motoring Rewards were created to support our customers love of motoring, whether the user applies his or her points toward future MINI loans or leases or for accessories to further customize their vehicles, this rewards program is for anybody that loves these cars and this unique brand,†added Robinson.
Users may apply for the new MINI Card online at www.4MyMINICard.com.
Source: MINI USA Press
GSKChicago Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Hmm… Since it is truly a custom image on the front of the card, I wonder if this will end up becoming the next generation of features to prevent identity theft. Instead of a picture of your face on the card, now it’s a picture of your car. Show registration for said car or they won’t accept the card. :)
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Ian C. Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Very cool – although my company proxy blocked the customisation page! :(
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Jeffrey Jun 19th, 2006 Link
So would you configure it to match the MINI you have now? Or would you configure it to match the MINI of your “dreams”? You know, the one you would get if you were to buy another MINI and had all the cash you need. I am glad to see they have several different and flexible options on the “rewards”.
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FH Jun 19th, 2006 Link
I wonder if you can request a different card if you change MINIs halfway through. To take it to an extreme, maybe you can add companion cards from various aftermarket accessories. Your card(s) can then document certain changes to the car as you mod. :)
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Frank Jun 19th, 2006 Link
I also if you have 2 MINIs, can you order 2 cards reflecting a different car config?
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radiationman Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Never heard of MINI Valet Miles, but now that I’m a solid hour away from my dealership, it’s an interesting idea.
Although, I’m not real happy that I can’t use the customizer without applying for the card… Especially since I’m not sure I really want another credit card, and I definately don’t need another card.
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Micah Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Wow, marketing folks will never cease to amaze me with their “innovative” ideas about how to encourage credit card use, and therefore increase the collective personal debt of Americans (while at the same time charging 2-3% to the business proprietor for every credit card transaction, hurting local small businesses in particular).
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mnycpt Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Spend $10,000 to get $100. They sure aren’t trying to be very competitive.
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Phil Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Yes, it’s marketing and yes, the purpose is to get you to use the card so they can collect ther 2-3% fee plus interest. So what! We’re a capatilistic society and we do have choices. There are definatley some predatory credit services out there but this does not appear to be so. The fact that 0% rate is introductory only was easy to spot and it was clearly stated that your rate after the introductory period was dependant on your credit history.
As a society, we need to understand that we all pay for the 2-3% fee in increased cost of merchandise. Again, there are choices. A proprieter is not obligated to accept credit card payments. However they are generally safer than accepting personal checks. A buyer can use cash but that’s not convineant for large purchases.
I personally do not carry any credit card debt and never will again. That said, I plan on applying for this card because the markating hype appeals to me as it does to many others. I will use the card to make my normal daily purchases and then use the reward points for something I might not have purchased otherwise.
Personal debt is just that, personal. I’ve just never understood how some people blame others for their over spending.
Stepping off the soapbox now.
Phil
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Micah Jun 19th, 2006 Link
No debt here.
That’s admirable – keep up the good work! Unfortunately you do not represent the typical American in that regard…
Next time you go to your local shop to replace the tires or add an aftermarket exhaust to your MINI, ask them if they would rather have cash or a check as opposed to a credit card – they will take you up on your offer every time.
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Rich Jun 19th, 2006 Link
I won’t even spend $5,000 on gas or other car related things in two years! No thanks.
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Frank Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Some indepedent repair shops are not keen in accepting credit cards because of the “fees” imposed on merchants.
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Brandon Jun 19th, 2006 Link
I won’t even spend $5,000 on gas or other car related things in two years! No thanks.
According to the site, gas is a “motoring purchase” so you get 2 points per $1, so that comes out to $1 per $50 spent on gas.
I just ordered mine. Not because I’m amazed by the rewards, just because… who wouldn’t want to have a picture of their MINI on their credit card??
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jaMEs Jun 19th, 2006 Link
I just ordered mine. Not because I’m amazed by the rewards, just because… who wouldn’t want to have a picture of their MINI on their credit card??
here, here! (or is it hear, hear! ?) My rewards on any other cards aren’t any better. plus i’m sick of having 4 plain grey credit cards – maybe now i won’t put work purchases on my personal cards and vica versa.
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Scott Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Just like Arlo Guthrie’s City of New Orleans song: “Dealin’ card games with the old men in the club car. Penny a point … ain’t no one keepin’ score” Very cool MINI!
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Agro Jun 19th, 2006 Link
This is a question for the people who have already been through the process. Can you included non-standard mods in any way? For example, I swapped the yellow grille and scoop for a black one. I’d like the picture to show that. Is there a way to do something like that?
As for the reward levels, that 1% back is the same reward I get from my Chase Visa card. Except that they send me a check, so I can spend my rewards on anything I please, not limited to MINI stuff.
I use my Visa card for almost everything I spend, then pay the balance in full every month. It was a habit my wife and I got into when we were working out where the money was going when we were getting ready to buy our house.
This way, we get a statement each month where we can see exactly what we’re spending money on.
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Micah Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Personal debt is just that, personal. I’ve just never understood how some people blame others for their over spending.
I agree completely!
You cannot disregard the little racket that credit card companies have going, however, charging both the consumer and the supplier for the “service” – in addition you cannot deny that credit card companies have a very obvious incentive to increase personal debt.
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green Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Agro – no everything appeared to be factory options to the car as the options. My stripe won’t be on the card sicne someone made it for (though it will when I get through with it). I was impressed with how many options they did offer though – even had white side indicators when I configured mine for my Cooper.
I also do not carry debt, and was looking for a gas card and such (since that is really all I charge) this will give me a little something back. It is nice to see the charity donation as an option too.
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Edge Jun 19th, 2006 Link
The one thing I guess I never really got… when they say “annual income” do they mean take-home pay or before taxes, etc? I’d like to put the gross income, but I don’t want to be accused of misrepresenting it!
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Matt Jun 19th, 2006 Link
That was hard but I decided on Solid Black with black bonnet stripes and JCW Wheels in black. Now I want to know how much cash I’ll get back if I actually buy a MINI.
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Edge Jun 19th, 2006 Link
ARGH – they have the newer JCW wheels (R105) but not the older ones (R95) – how stupid is that?
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ohmarkm Jun 19th, 2006 Link
Just ordered mine. Configured my 2002 EB/W MCS w/white bonnet stripes and R105 JCW wheels (can’t see a pic of that combo on miniusa.com!)
This will come in handy for my future upgrades to my MCS (and out-of-warranty service after 9/06) and a new MCS in a few years. Plus, I need a Visa card anyway. And the platinum/MINI features are worth it.
Didn’t notice an option for a JCW GP on the card configurator (but there is an option to input the VIN, so maybe one could get the JCW GP image).
I think the annual income field refers to adjusted gross income.
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FH Jun 20th, 2006 Link
Annual income means gross. Not net. If you’re making $50k according to the government (and taxed on that too), that’s what you should put down. :)
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Edge Jun 20th, 2006 Link
Yeah, that’s what I ended up doing – gross income. Also, I called customer service to report my concern that the R95 wheels were not an option on the site, making it especially clear that they were (and still are) an OEM wheel option. She noted my concern, and said to proceed with another wheel choice for now… and that they will allow you to change designs ONCE for no extra charge, after that it does cost money to be issued a new design.
She said that since it was so new (first day offered!), to allow 30 days for them to update and allow more options.
So there’s still hope for R95 fans like me… and Gabe. :)
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EricZ Jun 21st, 2006 Link
Jeffrey Jun 19th, 2006 So would you configure it to match the MINI you have now? Or would you configure it to match the MINI of your “dreams� You know, the one you would get if you were to buy another MINI and had all the cash you need.
No GP, no Traveler (or whatever they are calling it). So can I get a new Card if I get a new MINI? OMG, what if I own more than one MINI? I’ll need so many cards. Ahhh!
I think it would be better if I could upload a photo that they put on the card (similar to putting my face on a card).
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Crusoe Jun 21st, 2006 Link
If it included at least a one time %3-5 discount a MINI or dealer installed accessory or something along those lines, maybe they’d hook a few more folks. Hmm I’ll take the JCW engine kit please. Perks are OK if you charge alot which I don’t…though all my vacation flights go on my card initially that could add up.
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Edge Jun 21st, 2006 Link
I wish that they let you choose what to put in the part that says “MYMINI”… if you could put your MINI’s name instead, that would be awesome :)
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MINI Driver Jun 21st, 2006 Link
There are so many options with the MINI credit card configerator that it has me hooked. Also they allow one additional design at no charge but if you are willing to pay the fee you could technically have as many card designs as you like. $15 is the fee for a new design once you change it from the first design.
Keep in mind if you change the design and then decide to go back to the first design that you had, you will be charged the $15 fee.
In fairness to the card company it cost a lot to reproduce new cards with different pics on it, so $15 is fair IMO
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Matt Aug 3rd, 2006 Link
I never got my card. I got a letter from MINI with my PIN number but no card. Called them and they said it must have been lost in the mail and they’d send another and never got it.
Anyone rec’d the card yet?
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