Visa 'Magic Moments' Promotion Returning

Visa U.S.A. is bringing back its "magic moments" holiday promotion. Each day from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, a one-second period will be selected at random. Cardholder purchases that match the selected time stamp will be refunded on the next billing statement. There can be more than one winner per day. Last year nearly 17,000 cardholders won more $1.2 million worth of goods. In its second year with the promotion, Visa is encouraging merchant participation, offering prizes worth up to $75,000 to retailers who display "magic moments" signs. "Our consumer research has shown that cardholders aware of Visa magic moments in 1998 used their cards more often and had a higher average purchase amount than consumers unaware of the promotion," said Bob Pifke, senior vice president of marketing services.