Citi Offers Expanded Private Pass Program for AAdvantage Cardholders
By Justin McHenry
Citi is offering cardholders of their American Airlines AAdvantage credit cards the opportunity for privileged access to exclusive live performances and possibly access to the performers themselves via its Private Pass program. Launching this coming Monday, October 9, the program will allow cardholders to buy tickets to a series of private, cardmember-only concerts featuring major recording artists at venues nationwide. Those announced initially include Aerosmith, Tony Bennett, Mary J. Blige and Dave Matthews. In addition, some cardmembers will get the chance to meet artists backstage and win signed memorabilia.
According to Citi, the concerts are part of an overall Private Pass website that will offer AAdvantage cardmembers perks such as VIP parking, private entrance to venues, priority/early seating, backstage access, artist meet-and-greets, nightclub and comedy club access, and guaranteed golf course access.
Citi’s private concerts are indicative of a trend in the credit card industry, in which offering exclusive “experiences” has become an increasingly popular way to reward credit card customers. Many cards offer similar cash back or merchandise rewards programs, thus making the promise of a unique experience a greater motivator to potential credit card customers. In addition to exclusive concert and event privileges, credit cards have offered experiences such as throwing out the first pitch at a major league baseball game, private dinners/lessons from famous chefs, and others.
