Shell check card debuts with 5cts back and promise of no impact on credit scores

摘要

Shell is pushing marketers to start promoting its "Shell $aver Card," the company's new PIN-based check card designed for consumers who cannot qualify for one of its regular credit cards. The card makes its debut Jan. 5 with an offer of a 5cts/gal rebate for consumers until June 1, and a 2cts kickback thereafter, as exclusively reported (OE 11/03/08). The discount will be deducted before the purchase hits the customer's bank account, but the pump receipt itself will continue to register the full purchase amount. Shell says it is the first gasoline retailer to offer an electronic check payment method on a national basis. Consumers use the card by linking it to their checking account. There is no enrollment fee, finance charge or annual membership cost and because the card is linked to a checking account, Shell says its use will have no impact on the consumer's credit score. However, consumers may have to pay a bank fee if they have insufficient funds in their account, the company notes.