Sky to launch second slot credit card

Sky is to introduce a credit card ‘within weeks’ that can be used via the second card slot in its digital boxes, according to media press reports. Three other broadcasters are also planning to use the card slot to launch loyalty-card schemes and offer high-street discounts to viewers.

The Sky credit card will be marketed as a way to pay for home shopping and betting services via the Sky remote control and to respond to interactive adverts. One of the first uses for the service could be a retailer offering discounts on DVDs and CDs to viewers of a music channel. After inserting the loyalty card, viewers will be prompted at regular intervals to confirm via the remote control that they are still watching the channel, for which they will earn points.