Hudson’s Bay launching digital credit card, contactless payment

A Canadian department store giant is teaming up with Mastercard to offer a credit card which links to a customer’s mobile device.

Hudson’s Bay is introducing a new, digitally-integrated Mastercard, powered by digital financial services provider Neo Financial. The card will offer no annual or over-limit fees, cash back on everyday purchases, and enhanced service support through a customized app.

Customers will be able to apply and open an account in minutes from their phone, beginning March outside of Quebec, and April in Quebec. The card will include enhanced service and safety features that include utilizing a phone’s facial recognition technology directly through the Neo Financial app. In minutes, customers may be approved, load their card to their digital wallet, and immediately start making purchases. 

As part of this new experience, Hudson’s Bay will introduce tap-and-go contactless payment at its cash desks later this year. Other card features will include proactive security alerts and notifications; the ability to freeze or replace a card and turn off online transactions, directly from the app. 

All Hudson’s Bay customers are being invited to register for notification once the official application process launches. Current cardholders can continue to use their existing card until May 3, 2021. The Hudson’s Bay Mastercard will be usable wherever Mastercard is accepted worldwide.

“As we drive our digital-first strategy, we are evolving across all facets of our business to elevate the customer experience,” said Iain Nairn, president and CEO of Hudson’s Bay. “Partnering with a Canadian company, built on innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, will help us deliver a better shopping experience to Hudson’s Bay customers and, in fact, reward them as they shop with us.”

“Our partnership with Hudson’s Bay demonstrates the opportunity in digital-first financial products and solutions that drive better value and experiences for customers,” said Andrew Chau, CEO of Neo Financial. “Neo Financial is focused on reimagining every financial touchpoint Canadians have, and rebuilding those experiences from the ground up with a customer-first approach. The Hudson’s Bay Mastercard powered by Neo is the next generation of credit card and retail innovation that will provide a unique and highly rewarding experience for all.”

Hudson’s Bay operates 88 full-line stores across Canada and thebay.com. It is part of the HBC brand portfolio.