Some interesting credit card innovations have come down the line over the years. I remember the big deal when banks started issuing credit cards with photos on them, instead of just the card’s logo. In the early 2000s, banks issued mini credit cards made for key fobs. In Germany and Japan, aromatic cards were all the rage for a while. Banks have toyed with biometrics (including facial, iris, hand and finger scans, voiceprints and even RFID chip) to increase card security. And, of course, there are today’s metal credit cards (which have been used for some really bad marketing campaigns).
Anyway, a reader recently tipped us off about a credit card that goes right up there in terms of innovation. What’s even more interesting on a personal note, is that the card has been around since 2014 and Joe, Mr. All Things Credit Card, had never even heard of it!
It’s Tim Hortons Double Double card. It’s a Visa issued by CIBC. And it lights up.
Cardholders earn 1% back in Tim Rewards money from all purchases made with the card. The card has 2 buttons on it that let customers choose between redeeming the loyalty points at Tim Horton locations or using their Visa account.
Here’s a quick video of how the card works:
Obviously, this isn’t the type of card that was going to get you very far in terms of points, miles, or even cash back. But from a novelty point of view, it’s definitely up there, and lots of people enjoy the card. And just as many…did not.
Perhaps for the reasons above, or possibly because of other things, you can’t get the Tim Horton Double Double card anymore. In mid-November, CIBC spokesperson Trish Tervit made the following announcement to the Toronto Star on behalf of the bank and Tim Hortons:
“CIBC will no longer be offering the CIBC Tim Hortons Double Double Visa Card to clients. This was a joint decision and will allow both of our organizations to pursue other opportunities to provide credit card and reward offerings that are tailored to the needs of our respective clients,”
Those who have the Double Double card will be sent a replacement CIBC Dividend Visa card. That one earns cash back on all purchases, instead of Tims Rewards points. Cardholders will also also be emailed a virtual card that will allow them to spend the Tims Rewards points they’ve accumulated until now.
Tim Hortons’ new loyalty rewards program, which actually launched last March, offers a free hot brewed coffee, hot tea, or baked good after every seven purchases.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
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