As a credit card user have you ever even considered, or given a second thought to the design of the card? To some consumers credit card design is an important factor, and a few will go out of their way to choose a credit card design that they feel matches their character and personality.
Although most of us will be more inclined to make our choice of credit card based on the interest rates, balance transfer rates, or reward program offered, there are consumers that will also take advantage of the various different credit card designs offered, and will factor these into their decision making process.
So why do the credit card companies offer different credit card designs, and how do they benefit from them?
Brand Awareness
Many store credit cards adopt fairly bold and bright designs, with the store logo obviously placed. This is of course used to drive consumer awareness, and brand loyalty.
For the credit card user it is a way of showing they are “proud users” of the store, and for anyone else who happens to see a card holder with the card, it is a form of brand recognition.
Card Popularity
Many credit card companies have very recognisable credit card designs, and this is done for very deliberate reasons. When you are in a store waiting to pay for a purchase and you see the person in front of you pull out that credit card, the recognisable design will stick in your mind.
This works in exactly the same way as product placement, or advertising at sports events. Just having your logo or design seen will make your brand seem more attractive, or desirable to customers.
Even a credit card that has a quirky or strange looking design will work in the same way. A credit card that has no logo, but has a strange picture on may invoke conversation between people.
So the credit card company benefit from free advertising, and the consumer will benefit from being able to choose a custom credit card design.
Status
Some consumers will use credit card design to create a feeling of higher status. For holders of a gold or platinum credit cards there has always been an illusion of having more money (which is not always the case of course).
A gold or platinum card is instantly recognisable, and some people enjoy the feelings, or social benefits they feel they get from such card colours.
Although for many, credit card design is of no real importance, whilst there are consumers who demand a snazzy range of cards to choose from, and whilst the card companies get free advertising, there is no way these quirky cards are going to disappear any time soon!
