ST. LOUIS—Since its launch last year, the AOA Business Card has reimbursed American Optometric Association (AOA) member card holders more than $143,000 in membership dues as a sign-up bonus, according to the AOA. The AOA Business Card, developed by financial technology firm Mercantile, is a Mastercard World Elite credit card designed for doctors of optometry. AOA members who sign up for the card will have their dues of $972 reimbursed when they spend $15,000 or more the first four months after account creation.

In addition to dues reimbursement, the card offers 2 percent back on purchases, vendor discounts, free staff cards and QuickBooks integration. There is no annual fee, no personal guarantee, and no impact on personal credit. The AOA Business Card is available to any business entity owned by an AOA member, regardless of that business’s affiliation with optometry.

“The [AOA Business] card has been a huge success,” said AOAExcel chairman of the board Samuel Pierce, OD. “The reimbursement of dues is one of many benefits that make the card a great tool for doctors of optometry and their practice.”

“The response from AOA members has surpassed our expectations, and we are excited to work with ODs to ensure the best-in-class business card continues to grow and meet their needs,” added Samuel F. Poirier, Mercantile CEO and co-founder.

In the future, the AOA Business Card will offer discounts from additional vendors and intuitive tools to identify potential savings, along with more point redemption options, including a travel portal, the company said. More details on the AOA Business Card can be found here. 

AOAExcel is a member-benefit of the American Optometric Association (AOA) that offers multiple products and services through their endorsed business partners, including a career center job board exclusively for optometrists, malpractice and other business insurance, vendor discounts, retirement planning, life/disability insurance, student loan refinancing, merchant processing and HIPAA compliance.

Here are some of the terms and conditions of the AOA Business Card:

Conditions apply. Subject to approval. Mercantile Financial Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company, not a bank. The AOA Credit Cards are issued by Hatch Bank pursuant to a license from Mastercard. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Review the cardholder agreement here. 

There are 2 percent rewards on all purchases and there is no cap on rewards. You will not earn rewards on returned, disputed, or fraudulent transactions. We will reverse rewards associated with the return, credit, or adjustment.

The AOA dues of $972 are paid when you spend $15,000 or more in the first 4 months after account creation. Your Card account must not be canceled or in default at the time of fulfillment of any offers. After the 4 months, Rewards points will be credited to your account if you have met the threshold amount.

If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse or gaming in connection with the welcome offer in any way or that you intend to do so, we may not credit Rewards points, we may freeze Rewards points credited, or we may take away Rewards points from your account. We may also cancel this Card account and other Card accounts you may have with us.