Verizon takes Smart Rewards customer loyalty program nationwide

Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ) will launch its Smart Reward program nationwide on July 24, giving all of its postpaid customers access to its customer loyalty program. The program, which was launched earlier this year in select markets, allows customers to accumulate points and then use those points toward discounts on the purchase of various goods and services. Verizon said customers who sign up for Smart Rewards will get at least 10,000 points when they register. The carrier said that customers will get points for activities such as signing in to the My Verizon online account management tool, paying their monthly bill, and other transactions like using the Verizon Trade In program or choosing paperless billing.

The Smart Rewards program is similar to the loyalty and reward programs offered by credit card companies, grocery stores and others. Verizon said its program offers customers discounts and savings of up to 40 percent on brand-name merchandise from more than 200 well-known brands. The program also gives customers offers on local shopping and dining they can redeem directly from their wireless device, as well as travel offers including discounts at more than 26,000 hotels.

Verizon noted that the program will also offer discounts on Verizon-specific products along with gift cards for Verizon merchandise and opportunities to win NFL game tickets.

Importantly, Verizon customers who sign up for the carrier's new Smart Reward program must also sign up for its Verizon Selects advertising program, which tracks customer behavior and tailors ads based on customers' tastes and profiles. Article