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Zynga Announces Partnership with American Express
Zynga announced a new partnership with credit card company American Express that will allow American Express customers to use their Membership Rewards points to redeem for Zynga’s virtual goods and Game Cards.
This is the first time ever that a financial service company has offered virtual goods as reward benefits.
Some of the FarmVille American Express exclusive redemption prizes include:
- FarmVille Blue Manor – 1,300 points
- FarmVille Windmill – 1,080 points
- FarmVille Purple Cow – 540 points
- FarmVille Manx Cat – 435 points
- FarmVille Gum Tree – 435 points
 FarmVille Blue Manor |
 FarmVille Windmill |
 FarmVille Purple Cow |
 FarmVille Manx Cat |
 FarmVille Red Gum Tree |
(Source: American Express)
What do you think about this Zynga and American Express promotion? Will you participate or be left out in the cold like other non- iPhone users? Be sure to vote in our poll below.
“American Express and Zynga announce strategic relationship to make virtual goods and game cards available for purchase using membership rewards® points
NEW YORK – November 30, 2010
In an industry first, American Express and Zynga announced today that they have entered into a strategic relationship that allows customers to use Membership Rewards points from American Express to pay for limited edition virtual goods, as well as physical and virtual game cards for Zynga’s games. American Express is the first financial services provider to offer reward redemptions for virtual games. The relationship will also bring to market unique joint-marketing endeavors and exclusive offers for both company’s membership bases.
“Our relationship with Zynga, one of the key players in the digital space, marks a new redemption category for American Express and reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding and deepening the value we offer customers online,” said Dan Schulman, Group President Enterprise Growth, American Express. “With millions of Cardmembers looking to use Membership Rewards points, Zynga can now offer our loyal customer base an exciting new way to engage with their popular social games.”
Cardmembers enrolled in the Membership Rewards program can use points to purchase Zynga game cards, as well as a variety of virtual goods, such as uniquely designed FarmVille manors and windmills, Café World fountains and stoves, and YoVille roadsters and robots. Typing “Zynga” in the keyword search on www.membershiprewards.com brings up all virtual goods for use in Zynga’s games.
“Our partnership with American Express marks the first time that virtual goods are available for purchase with rewards points and reinforces our commitment to offer consumers meaningful experiences that enhance their game play,” said Vishal Makhijani, SVP of Business Operations at Zynga. “Cardmembers can instantly redeem their reward points to purchase limited edition virtual goods for their favorite Zynga games.”
The specific redemption offers will start at 200 points and the goods immediately available include:
- Uniquely designed, limited edition virtual goods available exclusively to American Express® Cardmembers redeeming Membership Rewards points, such as:
- FarmVille Purple Cow (540 MR points)
- FarmVille Manx Cat (435 MR points)
- Café World Amex Lightning Stove (1945 points)
- Café World Amex Outdoor Fountain (1080 points)
- $25 and $50 physical game cards (2500 and 5000 points); and
- $2, $10 and $25 virtual game cards (200, 1000 and 2500 points).
Zynga game cards can be used for multiple Zynga games including FarmVille, FrontierVille, PetVille, YoVille, Treasure Isle and Café World.
Zynga and American Express will continue to expand the redemption offers available to Cardmembers over the coming weeks. On December 6 another 20 virtual goods will be made available including the FrontierVille Fancy Gold Hot Tub, FrontierVille Fancy Gold Fountain, Treasure Isle Zebra, and FarmVille Golden Retriever. Also on December 6, Cardmembers will be able to redeem for specific game cards for FarmVille, FrontierVille, YoVille, Café World – all will be made available in both physical and virtual game cards.
Cardmembers can begin redeeming Membership Rewards points for Zynga virtual goods and game cards immediately. For more information, please visit: www.membershiprewards.com.
About The Membership Rewards Program
The Membership Rewards program from American Express offers more than a million rewards from over 500 brands. The program allows Cardmembers to earn one point for virtually every dollar charged on eligible, enrolled American Express Cards, with many opportunities to earn points faster. Membership Rewards points are redeemable in a wide selection of reward categories. Points have no expiration date, and there is no limit on the number of points a Cardmember can earn. For more information about the Membership Rewards program, visit: www.membershiprewards.com or call 1-800-AXP-EARN (297-3276).
About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com and connect with us onwww.facebook.com/americanexpress, www.twitter.com/americanexpress and www.youtube.com/americanexpress.
About Zynga Inc.
Zynga Inc. is the world’s largest social game developer with more than 225 million monthly active users playing their games which include FarmVille, FrontierVille, Mafia Wars, Zynga Poker, Café World, Treasure Isle, YoVille, FishVille and PetVille. Zynga Inc. games are available on a number of global platforms including Facebook, MySpace, the iPad and iPhone. Through Zynga.org, Zynga players have raised more than $5 million for world social causes. Zynga Inc. is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.zynga.com or www.zynga.org.”
(Source: Zynga.com)
Tags: american express, american express member's rewards, farmville blue manor, farmville freak, farmville gum tree, farmville manx cat, farmville purple cow, farmville windmill, farmville.com, farmvillefreak.com, zynga
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Just another reason to quit playing farmville
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
They are also partnered with citi cards, but you can actually buy gamecards with points from citi to redeem for farmcash
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
This is ridiculous.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
well…that aint fair!!!
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Wish they offered these rewards for Visa or Mastercard!
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
There is no way in “h” “e” double “ll” I will use my AMEX points for buying Zynga stuff. Honestly, I can’t believe they would even go this low in order for people to buy their stuff! You have to charge more on the AMEX to get these points…why would you waste them on Zynga?!
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
Would be nice if I had their card, but I don’t and don’t want one. Too bad, another promotion leaving other Farm Ville players out.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
This is just a way to get happy customers.
If you are a player, and you use a Amex Card, why not?
The player will be happy, and the companies too
And if you don’t like it, **** off!
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I wouldn’t use American Express for anything – looks like I won’t be getting any of the “exclusive” junk.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
And if you don’t like it… Fu .. ck Off!
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:21 pm
What about Costco American Express card holders? We have Costco rewards, so we can’t get any of these prizes! Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE the Costco rewards, but I would also like to be able to participate in this, too… Isn’t there a way to do both?
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
I don’t do AE so it really doesn’t matter to me if it’s worth it or not, but I am getting tired of these “exclusive” gifts for card holders or iPhone only users since not everyone would have an equal chance to send them and even then when they do it can only be to other card holders or i-Phone users. FV is exclusive enough with most of their better gifts costing FV Bucks and there not being a way to convert coin into Bucks and no real way for the common man to earn mega Bucks.
If FV isn’t careful they will “exclusive” themselves to death.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
Piss off Zynga. Now you’ve jumped the shark.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
I am sorry but I think I have seen it all now!!! Only wealthy people can even get an AE card. :/ And I don’t think many of them play farmville. And I don’t see with unemployment being 9.8% that many people will be running out and applying (and actually being approved) any time soon. WTG Zynga!! *with sarcasm*
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Like, there is enough people in debt now…let’s get them to get a credit card, to spend their points on virtual goods…how retarded!
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Meh. I don’t want my fake farm being a real advertisement for anything.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
I don’t want an AE or any other credit card! I would much rather see items for farm coins than farm cash (I can’t buy it nor can most FV players).
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Its getting really sad -MONEY MONEY MONEY -thats all Zynga cares about -not its faithful players or the quality of the games anymore -they’re just selling us out. using the fact they have millions of daily players to make MORE money from advertisers through all these corporate mergers this year. Corporate greed at it’s worst : (
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
Can’t please everyone…some people don’t have an iphone so I didnt hear lot ppl complain about that yet the game moves on..same with any other promotion..can ‘t get every item there is..i don’t understand why ppl would want to quit just because of that.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Life isn’t fair, it’s not fair… Oh my gosh people. It’s a freakin’ promotion, just like all the rest. If you can’t get it oh well. Pray that one of your neighbors do… and they get the FREAKING PURPLE COW! Then maybe you will get a cute lil purple calf. If not oh well! Go cry a river, and pray someone will throw a rope.=P
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Not fair, I want 4 of these 5 rewards but I wouldn’t qualify for AE, not that I want one, in Australia 90% of businesses won’t accept AE so what would be the point, as Sue says, getting a credit card to buy virtual goods – very stupid.
I also agree with Rebecca, I think the discrimination to most social players by sponsor conditions is unfair, if they want to offer advertising placards or balloons for farms that is one thing, it is up to the player if they want to accept, but to give rewards that exclude other players, things like the purple (my favourite colour) cows or Manx cats etc – that then Farmville can’t release to the rest of the FarmVille community is unjust.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
So do you think they sit around at Zynga and contemplate how they can alienate the most players next? Coming next week: exclusive prizes redeemable only if you are an albino hermaphrodite born on leap day and possessing a degree in anthropology. Everyone else can suck it. Don’t get mad and quit, however, or we will have to punish you with Farm Cash.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Wow, folks, get over it! So Zynga releases items that not everyone can get. Big deal! What did you ever do to think you are entitled to all these items? This is how business works, this is why promotions exist. Did you see me whining when I couldn’t participate in the 7-11 promo because I don’t live in America anymore? No! Some things in life you can do and some things you can’t. Zynga has yet to do a promotion for players specifically outside US borders, but you don’t see us getting up in arms. This is just how life works. If you want a handout go see your government.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
To the ppl that think you have to be wealthy to have an Amex card… not true, you just need good credit. And they have the option to pay off the balance every month. Revolving credit is an option. Great card, great rewards!
I also think all these promotions for items are great! It makes items rare. If you cannot participate, you do not have to complain. The game is fun, make the best of it. I see there are some great items already in the market for Christmas.
Thank you Zynga, I enjoy playing your games.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Lets see, should I use my hard debt creating reward points on REAL THINGS like plane tickets, a HD tv, clothes, and perhaps something I really need or should I waste 100′s-1000′s of my reward points on an object that doesnt exist except a nice animated cartoon sketch on my computer screen only when I am playing a game. So Reak goods or virtual goods for spending my hard earned dollars????….. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm thats a tough choice to make Zynga :/
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
https://rewards.thankyou.com/b2r/merchandise/browseCategory.do?supplierCategoryId=10100&GS_SELECT_CATEGORY_ID=1551&storeid=87&code=0013 They are also partnered with citi, that links shows what you can recieve. Here is the page that shows their new partners.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
I don’t have an American Express so now I can’t have the Manx cat? I love Manx kitties!!! No purple cow for me?? This just doesn’t seem fair.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Here’s what makes me mad…. I don’t mind paying fv dollars to purchase items. What I do NOT understand is that if I sell them, WHY DO I GET COINS???? If I pay fv dollars, then give me fv dollars back!! Of course I expect a reduced rate just like you do the coins, but you would sell more dollar items if we get dollar refunds when sold. AND if said items produce some sort of harvest, pay us in fv dollars. I do NOT like my dollars going down a gopher hole… Pretty simple solution… Come on fv, get it together…
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Wow, this is in my opinion one of the dumbest things ever. Zynga is getting pretty low, they are going to start losing a ton of money if they don’t 1. Start playing fair, 2. Fix the bugs, and 3 Stop pissing players off. Wow!
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Well, at least the Manx cat finally lost his tail.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
no fare i live in austrlia and cant get them and now i will not have all the cows and all the cats
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
I want a purple cow, but 540 membership points is a lot to ask for it.
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
I want that cow but I’m not going to jump through that many hoops to get it.
*thumbs down to this promotion*
Posted on December 5th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Yes the points required to get these items is high based on how much you actually have to spend to earn these awards. I think its like for every $1 you spend you get 3 pts (so for a 540 point cow its like you have to spend $180?) so its no free lunch for those who have the card…unless you have a lot of points to give away.
They could have given items from Amex gift cards given from friends and family. This would allow non cardholders a chance to earn them too.
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 1:19 am
Tell the truth – do people really spend that kind of money on a computer game with no physical evidence of anything to show for it? One day it will be all FVcash and then where will they be? Pay for a computer,electric,software,antivirus,antispyware,and all the other stuff to keep it safe,then pay to play and pay to have anything on your farm. No thanks.
Free it is fun. Costing real dough – not so much fun.
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 6:03 am
this is so unfair i am from england and i been looking forward to the Purple cow all year and now your saying I can’t have one? ****ing ****s!
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 7:06 am
As a protest I recommend that you don’t buy FC for two months… lets show them were and how we can hurt them… is not with words but with money!!
Greedy is to FAIL!
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 7:14 am
this isnt fair, its so biased. Zynga does this all the time, first with the iPhone then the McDonalds promotion, the big balloon thing and now with the credit card, the game has million of players and many do not stay in america or cannot possibly own an American express credit card. if the game is centered for american layers only then they might as well block all the international players and get on with it. Every1 has t o have a fair chance with the game but timeand again Zynga shows us how biased it it..
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 8:53 am
mmm wonder if Zygna are doing it for the fans….. or they just greedy now lets hope it all fails…. like their games seem to
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 9:31 am
hi i am injordan and i need a farmville game card how can i get one
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 10:26 am
lol, I don’t know why people are complaining. Those prizes aren’t even worth it if you do have an AmEx IMO.
There have already been over half a dozen cats released. That’s enough for me. And the tree is neat but it’s just a tree.
The Manor is 2009 design just a different color and I doubt few people would buy them with real FV cash today.
Purple cow? Why does FV have a zillion different colors for animals that don’t exist. Halloween is over.
Windmill is neat but how many of these do we collect before we start deleting?
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
For those of you complaining about not having an AMEX card and not being able to buy those things, for the amount of points required to buy these things, its not worth it. I have an AMEX and have acquired points. The spending costs required to get enough points to buy these items is atrocious. I have a card and won’t be buying these things. The items are nice like the Purple Cow, but not for the cost. If you don’t have an AMEX, you’re really not missing out. My AMEX points are better spent elsewhere.
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Major piss off…. What about those of us that don’t use credit cards and refuse to?
Of course it’s all the good purple stuff that you can get with Citi or Amex *grrrrrr*
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Golden Retriever 1300 points
Terrier 1300 points
Clydesdale 1080 points
Purple Cow 540 points
Manx Cat (it has a tail) 435 points
Brown Chicken 215 points
Gum Tree 435 points
Windmill 1080 points
Deluxe Lodge 1300 points
Blue Manor 1300 points
Single Mystery Dart 325 points
20 Fuel 755 points
Game Cards start at 2500 points
E Game Cards start at 200 points
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I have an Amex card, but it’s attached to my Costco membership. Although the idea is good, it’s not applicable to all Amex customers. My rewards dollars are issued as Costco Cash. As others have said above, I would rather use my rewards on something tangible.
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
I can’t believe all the whining about this! If you have the Amex card, great. If not, big deal. I don’t have an IPhone but I don’t sit here whining about how unfair it is that I can’t get this thing or that thing. Really! Aren’t there more important things?
Posted on December 6th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Seriously people stop bitching it’s really annoying. The bottom line is this, Zynga is a company, they have a bunch of people working for them. They need to pay their employees for all the hard work they do to bring us fun FV stuff. So, they need a few items that they know people would want to spend real money on to pay their workers. Zynga also uses promotional deals to pay their workers as well. So stop the bitching and play if you want; nobody is forcing you.
Posted on December 7th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Thing is, everyone CAN get the iPhone ones, all you need to do is log on to a friends iPhone to get it! Not everyone will lend you an amex card though or let you spend their points!
Posted on December 9th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Wow, do you guys go to the mall to bitch and complain about all the things you can’t purchase? Do you do it out loud or in silence? The game is still free, and as in real life, they have a bunch of things not all of us can afford, big deal.
Posted on December 19th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
@ Cher: An American Express card is an American Express card. No matter what store you got the card from, it should still be able to be used twards the promo. And to those of you who don’t like it, F*** THE H*** OFF, AND DIE IN THE F***IN’ H*** HOLE H*** IS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted on December 20th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
cool, i NEED gumtrees,but…surprise surprise, not in Germany!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Partnered with farmville but not global?!?! Do I have to emegrate????