There are a growing number of credit cards being offered to people with specific lifestyles. For example, cards which provide donations to charities, or cards that offer loyalty points at various shops and supermarkets. Some of the most interesting are the sports club affinity credit cards that are appearing on the market. Clearly these cards are aimed at a very specific type of person, namely an avid supporter of one of the many affiliated sports clubs - and, if you are a particular club's 'greatest fan' then they may be worth considering.
What will become immediately apparent is the way that the sports club affinity credit cards look. There, boldly printed on the front of the card, is the club's logo, eternal proof that the cardholder is indeed an obsessive supporter. Although this may seem to be a grotesque fashion statement it can still be rather fun - what better way of displaying your undying allegiance to your favourite club than pulling out a credit card with the club's logo stamped all over it? Surely this is a great way of starting a conversation when buying a round at the local pub?
Sports club affinity credit cards could also entitle you to various other club related benefits. These personal benefits can be very attractive if you are a big fan. Some of the cards give you discount on club merchandise such as T-shirts, caps, and scarves, others provide offers where you can collect points in order to receive money off tickets to those all important big games. There are sports affinity cards that may even entitle you priority seats. Of course the benefits vary wildly from card to card, from team to team, and from sport to sport.
The benefit received by the sports club is similar to those given to charities through charity credit cards: basically for every amount spent on the card, some money is given to the organisation involved, at no extra cost to the card holder. With sports club affinity credit cards this donation is used to ensure the future success of the club. There is usually also a minor social benefit. For example, some clubs are using the donations to fund youth training programmes, which not only ensure that the team will have the best players in years to come, but also help young people fulfil their dreams.
Individual benefits are numerous and vary from card to card, but often there are discounts to be had on club merchandise, from t-shirts to mugs. The majority of cards also give the cardholder points each time they use the card; these points can then be used to receive discounts on tickets - some even provide access to special seats, at matches, or special events that the clubs organise. For example, you may get your chance to spend time on the pitch with your favourite football players.
The other good thing about these cards may seem a little less important, but may just be a unique selling point. Sports club affinity credit cards have your favourite club's logo printed, for all to see, on the front of the card. Now this may not seem like a benefit to some people but, if you are the type of person who religiously collects your favourite club's memorabilia, then your club's credit card may be the one thing missing from your collection.
