Visa U.S.A. is kicking off its second nationwide travel and entertainment promotion this summer.
For every dollar spent on a Visa card from June 1 through Aug. 31, "Visa Rewards for Dining and Diversions" offers a 10% credit. Cardholders receive certificates, which can be redeemed from Sept. 15 through Nov. 15 at 28 Visa Reward partners.
After the success of the first promotion, which focused on four travel partners, Visa has expanded its Rewards program to include restaurants, hotels, theme parks, and car rental companies.
More than one million cardholders redeemed $220 million in points for discounted travel last year during the promotion that ran from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.
Thomas C. Edwards, vice president of travel and entertainment for Visa, said the association launched the Rewards program "to increase growth and usage of the Visa card in the travel and entertainment segment," which he called "high-ticket and low-fraud" transactions.
Mr. Edwards said those types of card purchases create "high profits for members, and that's our goal."
Consumers don't need to change their spending habits to earn points, he pointed out, but if they buy goods and services from Visa's partners, they receive 20% toward their Rewards certificates.
Some partners in the current promotion include Marriott Hotels; Red Lobster, Chart House, and Houlihan's restaurants; Avis and Dollar Rent a Car; and others.
Rewards vary. For example, consumers can receive $15 off a weekly car rental, $150 off five nights at the Marriott, or discounts on restaurant tabs.
To cash in their points, consumers call a toll-free number to receive certificates in the mail. They can be redeemed at any of the partners in the Rewards program.
