MINI USA Offers Configurable Credit Card

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. :)

Thats hot! And some of the rewards kick butt!

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”.

This is great news!

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.

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).

No debt here.

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.

Some indepedent repair shops are not keen in accepting credit cards because of the “fees” imposed on merchants.

Will the card rust a little around the edges? ;)

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.

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.

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.

Am I going to be able to spec a GP card?

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.

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.

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. :)

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.

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

Nevermind- I got my card today. Can’t wait to start earning rewards.