Co-branded Credit Cards That I Wish Existed

Most card issuers have at least a few co-branded credit cards, usually these are with travel related companies but sometimes the partnerships can be a little bit out of the ordinary. Because the large airlines and hotel chains already have agreements in place with a specific card issuer, it can be difficult if another company wants to enter the market or increase their market share.

We’ve seen Wells Fargo & FNBO both trying to do just that recently, with varying degrees of success. I thought it’d be a good idea to look at some partnerships that don’t currently exist but that would make good products.

• AirBnB: Whenever I travel in a large group or stay somewhere for a long period of time, I almost always use AirBnB. I would love an AirBnB cobranded credit card. Ideally it would come with the following:
  • $200+ in AirBnB credit
  • 5x points on all AirBnB purchases (points being worth 1 cent a piece redeemable on AirBnB)
• Topcashback: Even though I’ve been having problems with Topcashback recently, I still do the majority of my shopping through their portal. If they were able to match the 3% cashback on purchases made through Topcashback that eBates currently offers on their credit card (in addition to the regular rewards) I’d sign up in a heart beat.
• Kimpton Hotels: I’m kind of surprised they don’t have a partnership with a credit card issuer to be honest. I’d be mainly interested in the sign up bonus as I wouldn’t regularly stay at a Kimpton property.
• Vanguard: This was actually a suggestion by @blahshaw but it makes sense, considering that Fidelity offers a 2% cash back card. It also would make sense for Vanguard, as Fidelity customers that have the co-branded card keep 3 and half times more money in their accounts than those without.

I’ve also asked my readers a few times on twitter what co-branded cards they wish existed and this was my favorite response:

• McDonalds: Maybe this can could come with a sign up bonus that was worth 10 McValue meals? Given their partnership with American Express, this isn’t a totally ridiculous suggestion. Thanks to @danpodheiser.

A lot of people suggested fast food chain credit cards, which is interesting considering most of these chains do not have loyalty programs – I wonder why this is? Maybe the Dental Association of America should co-brand a fast food credit card that earns 5% cash back?

What co-branded credit card would you like to see? What benefits, sign up bonus and earning rates would it have (be realistic, it’s more fun this way)? Who would issue the card? Let me know in the comments.