Service offers loyalty points without all the cards

Thanx enables consumers to collect loyalty points by simply registering their existing credit card.

Loyalty cards can be more annoying than they are useful, taking up vital real estate in already-bulging wallets and requiring shoppers make sure they swipe at the checkout. We recently wrote about Plastc, which lets consumers merge all of their cards into one smart card. Now Thanx enables consumers to collect loyalty points by simply registering their existing credit card.

Thanx customers can sign up to their favorite loyalty schemes by registering their credit or debit card numbers through the platform. Instead of providing consumers with a separate card for each loyalty account, Thanx gets computer systems to simply link the credit card number automatically to multiple accounts. This means that points are automatically earned whenever consumers shop at Thanx's partner stores, without any extra process of finding and handing over cards, coupons and 'buy 10 get one free' stamp sheets.

The service comes with a free mobile and web app that lets users track their spending and rewards. It currently works with Visa, MasterCard, Amex and other credit card providers, and Thanx has already teamed up with a range of popular merchants.

Retailers on the other hand need no new equipment or software to set up, as it works automatically. They also get an analytics dashboard to better understand their customers.

Are there other ways to make loyalty schemes more intuitive and seamless?