ARLINGTON, Texas.–A debit card rewards program pioneered by Texas Trust Credit Union here that provides funds to local school districts has now passed the $1-million threshold.
Through Texas Trust's Spirit Debit Reward card, five school districts have collected $1 million since the inception of the program in August 2011. Each school has a custom-designed debit card, and receives 10 cents each time their cardholders use the Spirit Debit Reward card to make a purchase. The schools receive a check each month based on the previous month's card usage and can spend the money as they wish.
Texas Trust celebrated the milestone at a “One Million Brighter” event held at the University of Texas at Arlington College Park Center during a UTA vs. University of North Texas basketball game. The stadium was full of Spirit Reward cardholders that cheered on Texas Trust as well as the UTA Mavericks. The festivities included an array of pre-game and halftime activities. Students from each school took part performing with the UTA band, cheer, and dance teams, during the game.
Grand Prairie ISD, which has eight different Spirit card designs and styles, has received more than $435,000 from Texas Trust. Mansfield ISD has earned nearly $300,000 for its eight Spirit cards, followed by Cedar Hill, earning more than $175,000 with one Spirit card. DeSoto has received $22,000 and Athens nearly $71,000.