Volkswagen tries Audi-branded credit card

Audi is launching a branded credit card just weeks after rival BMW unveiled a host of financial services products.

The Audi Card will be available from June 26 through Citi Cards, part of Citigroup. It is the first credit card to be launched by Volkswagen Financial Services UK, the specialist finance division that represents all seven VW brands.

At the end of last month, BMW moved into mainstream financial services in the UK with the launch of BMW- and Mini-branded credit card, insurance and savings products.

But a spokesman for Volkswagen Financial Services says: “The Audi Card will be a very different proposition from BMW’s credit card. As a financial services provider, our raison d’être is about realising the dream.”

The Audi Card, which features the marque’s famous slogan Vorsprung durch Technik and offers 0% interest on all Audi purchases for six months, will be promoted on the Audi Channel, in store, and via direct marketing and online activity.

A free monitoring service, Audi Alerts, will allow customers to keep tabs on their balance by e-mail and text message, and they will be able to access and manage their account online.

BMW teamed up with American Express to launch its credit cards, Newcastle Building Society for the branded savings and bond products, and UK Insurance – part of the Royal Bank of Scotland – for its home insurance. Analysis, page 9