Fanatics partners to launch sports-fans focused credit card
Fanatics has entered into a multi-faceted partnership with American Express.
Under the terms of the agreement, the global sports retail giant will launch its first-ever credit card, which will run on the Amex Network, later this year. The card will allow users to earn “FanCash” (Fanatics’ digital reward currency), which can be redeemed for apparel, tickets, trading cards, collectibles and other experiences across the Fanatics platform.
Cardholders will also gain exclusive benefits and elevated tier status within the Fanatics One loyalty program. They also will have access to unique offers, benefits, experiences and protections through the Amex Network.
.As part of the partnership, American Express will be a presenting sponsor at Fanatics’ popular annual sports fan festival, Fanatics Fest, which has been expanded to four days this year and will feature some of the biggest names in sports. During the event, the company will deliver interactive fan experiences, perks for eligible card members and more. American Express and Fanatics will also collaborate on other activations tied to key sports moments year-round.
“We’re constantly looking for new ways to celebrate and support fans for their passions and enhance the everyday fan experience,” said Tucker Kain, Fanatics chief strategy and growth officer. “Partnering with American Express allows us to scale these ambitions in a meaningful way, expanding our payments, loyalty and advertising capabilities, while creating truly differentiated products, including the Fanatics American Express Card, which we believe will become the card that sports fans reach for.”
The Fanatics American Express Card will be issued by First Electronic Bank and managed by Imprint.
Within the next year, Fanatics will become an American Express Membership Rewards transfer partner, giving eligible U.S. membership rewards card members with American Express-issued cards a new way to use points by converting them into Fanatics’ FanCash, which can then be redeemed across the Fanatics ecosystem for authentic apparel, trading cards, collectibles and exclusive experiences such as Fanatics Fest.
“Nearly 80% of surveyed U.S. American Express Consumer Card Members identify as sports fans, and this partnership with Fanatics will deliver unforgettable fan experiences and expanded access at some of the world’s most popular sporting events,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, chief marketing officer at American Express.
Fanatics holds partnerships with over 900 sports properties, from professional leagues and players’ associations to teams, colleges and retail partners; over 6,000 athletes and celebrities; and over 2,000 retail locations, including all Lids retail stores.
