International coffee chain Starbucks is teaming with Royal Bank of Canada to launch a hybrid Visa bank card and re-loadable Starbucks card.
The Starbucks Duetto Visa Card will be the first of its kind in Canada. It is modelled on the Bank One Duetto programme introduced by Starbucks and the US bank in October 2003.
When cardholders use the Visa account of their Duetto Card, they earn one per cent of their purchase back in 'Duetto Dollars' which can then be used for purchases at Starbucks, including beverages, food and store merchandise.
New cardholders also receive a one-time pre-load of $10 to their Starbucks Card account after their first Duetto Card Visa purchase, and qualify for quarterly gifts and benefits.
Dave McKay, RBC's senior vice-president, credit cards and financing products in Canada, says: "Having one multipurpose card is going to make it easier and more convenient to pick up that morning coffee or afternoon beverage, and it's also going to change the way we use the plastic in our wallets."