Sky to launch credit card

The card – a first for BSkyB – will enable subscribers to the company’s television services to purchase goods and pay-per-view services on Sky’s interactive television, alongside using it as a traditional credit card.

Jon Florsheim, BSkyB’s managing director, sales, marketing and interactive, said: “SkyCard will build on the value delivered to customers, enabling them to save money through the loyalty scheme and to get more out of their Sky digital subscription.”

Customers will be able to insert the SkyCard in their Sky box to manage their account and, soon after the launch, make purchases through the television using their remote control.

The card will offer customers the ability to gain points for every eligible purchases made with the SkyCard.

Cardholders will be able to use their points to buy pay per view programmes or make savings on the cost of their monthly Sky digital subscription.

“The SkyCard will offer consumers real value and innovation and we’re delighted to be bringing it to market with Sky,” said Gary Hoffman, Barclaycard’s chief executive.

In future the special slot that has been adapted into Sky boxes for the SkyCard will be able to incorporate other cards from a range of broadcasters, that may be planning to introduce their own points’ scheme.

After the launch of the credit card BSkyB hopes to increase the scope of the card by expanding on the functions in relation to the broadcaster’s raft of interactive channels.

By Ghislaine Manuel

This article was first published on Media Week