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Electronic Arts Inc. today announced it is offering the EA Sports DebitSmart Visa prepaid card, which features a rewards system that enables users to redeem points for select EA Sports video games, according to the Redwood, Calif.-based video-game developer. Storm Lake, Iowa-based MetaBank issues the cards. Cardholders receive back a percentage of their purchase totals from every transaction at participating brick-and-mortar and online retailers, such as Macy's Inc. department stores and Netflix Inc. The percentage the consumer receives varies by retailer, according to Randy Chase, EA Sports product manager. Cardholders receive 100 points per dollar they receive back as a reward. Gamers need 6,500 points for a Microsoft Corp. Xbox 360 or Sony Corp. PlayStation 3 game and 5,500 points for a Nintendo Co. Ltd. Wii game. "This is a perfect way for gamers to further their relationship with EA Sports and also add to their EA Sports library by doing what they would normally do, and that's make everyday purchases," Chase tells CardLine sister publication ATM&Debit News. EA Sports is the second major video-game developer to offer a network-branded prepaid rewards card. Capcom Entertainment Inc., a Japan-based video-game developer, in February announced it was offering the Capcom Unity Visa prepaid card (CardLine, 2/17). EA Sports was developing its own card at the time of Capcom's announcement, Chase says. "With how things are [expanding] in the debit and prepaid market, this is a good time to do this," he adds. Gamers can sign up for the card at easportsrewards.com at no charge, and it should arrive by mail in five business days. Cardholders can load the card through an existing bank account or at Western Union Co. and Green Dot Corp. locations. Fees include a monthly $1.99 service charge, 50 cents for cash-back transactions at the point of sale and $1 for ATM withdrawals in addition to what the machine operator charges. POS signature and online purchases are free.
