MasterCard is always moving and shaking in the financial sector. From global charitable efforts to unveiling new security measures, contests or phone apps, this is the credit card company to watch for the latest and greatest efforts in keeping its millions of customers and participating merchants happy. In recent days, it’s proven its place yet again by unveiling a new digital wallet service designed to making online shopping safer for all MasterCard users. It’s a free program and allows users to safely store all of their payment and shipping information in a secure place, somewhere in MasterCard Land, and from there, you can check out faster every time you user your MasterCard credit card. It’s also running its annual contest that allows customers to enter a drawing for a trip to the 2014 Grammy Awards. Lots of other prizes to be won, too. Here’s the latest:
MasterPass
It’s motto: With MasterPass, you simply shop, click and checkout faster online.
Not only that, but it works with any credit, debit or prepaid MasterCard. It also allows you to use it anywhere you see the new MasterPass logo. It’s a free service, with no fees at all hidden away, unless, of course, your phone carrier charges you for incoming texts (if you use your text messaging option to check your balance).
Right now, MasterCard is readying the unveil and the only way you know that it’s been made available is by requesting an invitation code. It’s a global effort and the company is sending the invitation codes to users selected for its beta trial. If you are interested in receiving early access, you can submit your email address on the MasterPass homepage to receive updates on when MasterPass may be available widespread.
Once you’ve stored your credit cards into the MasterPass, checking out online becomes as easy as signing in. MasterPass does the rest, including notifying the merchant and allowing you to bypass all of the payment and shipment information. No three digit codes you have to find, no keying of your card number – simply a password that’s universal with your MasterPass program. You can even opt in for mobile verification of your smartphone if you’d like to extend the convenience in that manner. The security is being described by MasterCard as “multi tiered” so it’s as safe as it is convenient.
Grammy Awards Contest
Want to see the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles next year? You can – if you’re selected as the winner of the latest MasterCard contest. Select the city nearest to you and you’re entered for a chance to win that amazing trip. Plus you could also win one of the 20 monthly prizes of a $100 MasterCard prepaid cards for a Priceless Cities Experience. These contests are always a lot of fun and the monthly prizes, of course, build the excitement for that once in a lifetime experience.
Rules
Here are a few of the rules:
You don’t have to purchase anything to win, it’s open to all legal residents of the United States and District of Columbia. You have to be at least 18 though, as of 2/4/13 and employees of MasterCard or MasterCard partnering banks, credit unions, credit card processors or other financial institutions are excluded.
Entering the contest means you provide only what’s needed for the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes began on February 4, 2013 and runs until 11:59 PM on December 31, 2013. To register, visit priceless.com and select your choice of Priceless City agree to the rules and privacy policy and then click on “enter now”. There will be five winners selected for each of the Priceless Cities, which this year, are Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Of course, only one submission per person is allowed, but you can get two additional entries if you click the Twitter button, which prompts a log in to your Twitter account and the opportunity to tweet your announcement. The second entry is gained by doing the same via Facebook. If you don’t wish to use Twitter and/or Facebook, you can mail the two additional entries to address found in the official rules on the MasterCard page.
The winners are selected in random drawings. The grand prize will be selected on or about January 7, 2014. The monthly prizes are selected every month on or around the fifth of each month.
This year, the grand prize includes a four day, three night trip to Los Angeles. It includes airfare, hotel accommodations, transportation to and from the airport and transportation to the awards show. Not only will the winner get to attend the Grammy’s, but they’ll also attend the Official Grammy pre and after parties, too. You’ll enjoy a welcome reception dinner, a tour of Los Angeles, hair and make up, meals and much more. It’s definitely going to be exciting.
Here’s where it gets interesting – the winner will be required to sign a liability and publicity release before travel documents are issued. And – the winner may also be required to undergo a background check to ensure “attendance in advertizing or publicity will not pose a security threat…or public disrepute, contempt, scandal, ridicule or reflect unfavorably on sponsor or parties”. Interesting, right?
Of course, all of the official rules can be found on the website and if you think that pesky photo of you flashing a group of bikers on spring break two decades ago won’t come back to haunt you, we say – get over there and enter that MasterCard sweepstakes!
Don’t have a MasterCard? Here are a few of the stronger credit card offers with the MasterCard logo these days –
Barclays Reward MasterCard
This is a great option for those with what might be described as average credit. It offers many of the same benefits as those with stellar credit histories have enjoyed for years. Lower fees, fewer limitations and a number of other benefits.
It offers a six month 0% introductory APR on all of your purchases and balance transfers. There’s no annual fee and you’ll earn 2,500 bonus points after your very first purchase. Two points for every dollar spent on gas, groceries and utility payments and a match point per dollar spent on everything else makes it a smart choice. You can use your rewards to pay for purchases, too – which is always great. No worries about blackout dates, redemption fees or limits on how many points you can earn, either. Finally, the Barclay’s MasterCard reports to all 3 major credit bureaus every month, which is ideal for those looking to improve their credit scores.
US Airways Premier World MasterCard
US Airways Premier World MasterCard is another great MasterCard offer. You can earn up to 40,000 bonus miles with qualifying transactions, great ratios when it comes to your miles and dollars spent, an annual companion certificate that will allow you to travel with companions round trip for just $99 each, first class check in and much more.
There’s a 0% intro APR rate, too that’s good for fifteen months. There is an annual fee of $89, but that’s waived your first year. Good credit gets you approved and the co-branding is always a great way to go as it gives you plenty of opportunities for big savings. Explore its many options and as always, carefully review the terms and conditions to ensure it – or any other credit card offer – is right for you.
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