Shipt offers free membership for Visa cardholders

Shipt on Monday introduced an exclusive new benefit with Visa to provide free Shipt membership to the millions of Visa consumer credit cardholders in the U.S. that enroll in the benefit — representing half of U.S. market share of credit cardholders.

An independently operated unit of Target Corp., Birmingham, Ala.-based Shipt provides personal shopping and delivery services in more than 5,000 U.S. cities, accessible to 80% of the nation’s households. Its retail partners span the grocery, alcohol, kitchen goods and household staples, pet care, health and wellness, and business products segments.

While initially focused on traditional grocery retailers such as H-E-B, Meijer and Hy-Vee, Shipt also offers home delivery from its parent company Target, as well as such diverse retailers as Rite Aid, Petco, Office Depot and OfficeMax, CVS Pharmacy and Costco Wholesale.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 20, all U.S. Visa consumer credit cardholders can enroll to get free delivery of groceries and other home essentials on all Shipt marketplace orders over $35, ranging from national brands like Bed Bath & Beyond, CVS and Target to a wide variety of regional and neighborhood grocers. 

"When we began discussing this opportunity, it became immediately apparent that Shipt and Visa value investment in innovative solutions and above-and-beyond customer service," said Kelly Caruso, CEO at Shipt. "Together, we're proud to offer Visa consumer credit cardholders the benefit of time savings and convenience by leveraging a network of trusted Shipt Shoppers who are committed to getting you exactly what you want, when you want it."

Related:Shipt completes major expansion

While nearly 30% of American consumers have made online grocery shopping part of their routine, according to Kantar ShopperScape, the Shipt benefit for Visa's consumer credit cardholders can help fast-forward adoption of same-day delivery by allowing millions to try Shipt for free, the two companies said. While there have been partnerships between delivery companies and card issuers in the past, this Shipt benefit for Visa consumer credit cardholders is made available to all Visa consumer credit card issuers. 

"On-demand-delivery has become an essential and valuable part of the shopping experience for many Americans," said Brian Cole, head of product, North America, Visa. "We are thrilled to bring millions of Visa consumer credit cardholders access to Shipt's services to experience the ease and convenience of getting their groceries, goods and essentials delivered in as soon as one hour."

Related:Shipt members can now choose their Preferred Shoppers

The launch culminates a period of fast-paced growth for Shipt, which included a year of adding more than 30 retail partners and tripling its shopper base to meet consumer demand. 

Visa consumer credit cardholders in the U.S. will not only benefit from access to free delivery on orders over $35 – but can also enjoy free delivery in as soon as one hour from the last-mile delivery platform.

Earlier this year, Shipt launched new in-app capabilities to meet the rapidly changing needs of today's consumers where they are, such as new dietary preferences and preferred shopper features. Shipt Shoppers also stand at the ready to handle any special requests or last-minute changes, the company said.

Cardholders can enroll their Visa consumer credit card to receive free Shipt membership in order to get free same-day delivery on orders over $35. All Visa U.S. consumer credit cardholders are now eligible to create a Shipt account and receive the following benefits, as applicable: 

• Visa Infinite: Up to three years of free Shipt membership, with free delivery on orders of  $35 and more.

• Visa Signature: Three months of free Shipt membership, then nine months of membership at 50% off, with free delivery on orders $35 and more.

• All other Visa U.S. Consumer Credit Cards: One month of free Shipt membership, then three months of membership at 50% off, with free delivery on orders $35 and more.