Sony has recently made the decision to phase out its Sony Rewards program and has planned to end the service entirely by the end of 2024. The Rewards program, which was not to be mistaken with the ongoing PlayStation Stars program or the previous PlayStation Rewards initiative, offered their consumers an opportunity to earn points through a PlayStation-branded Visa credit card. This initiative was first introduced in 2017, encouraging fans to collect points with every purchase that could later be applied to Sony or PlayStation-related transactions.
However, in a surprising development for loyal customers, Sony has confirmed that it will terminate the Sony Rewards program effective December 31, 2024. The confirmation came via email communications to program members and can also be seen on the updated FAQ and Terms and Conditions sections on Sony’s website.
As things stand, Sony is not accepting any new enrollments into the Sony Rewards program. Those currently holding a Sony or PlayStation credit card will be able to redeem any accumulated points until the end date. Unfortunately, the ability to earn new points through special offers or partner promotions has been halted, and connections to the Sony Store or Movies Anywhere have also been deactivated.
With the upcoming closure of the program, PlayStation Visa credit card holders may be wondering about the future use of their cards. Comenity Bank, the entity currently managing the credit program, will be responsible for communicating any significant changes to the cardholders. Until the shutdown, the cards will remain active for use.
One aspect of the Sony credit card that drew criticism was its high annual percentage rate (APR) of 27.99% and a redemption process that was often considered complex. Notably, throughout its lifespan, the program underwent a shift in credit management to Comenity Bank.
In contrast, Microsoft’s Xbox credit card, managed through Barclays, comes with variable APRs and provides a rewards program where points can be exchanged for discounts, Xbox store credit, and other perks. Microsoft’s rates vary between 20.99%, 26.99%, to as high as 31.99%, depending on the user’s balance.
For those impacted by Sony’s rewards program closure, it is essential to stay informed about the upcoming changes and to redeem any available points before the cutoff date. Consumers should also be on the lookout for further communication from Comenity Bank concerning the transition and next steps for the PlayStation Visa credit card holders.
