Zilch brings its incentivised spending model into football market as Arsenal’s official payment provider

November 21 – Fintech challenger Zilch has signed a multi-year deal to become Arsenal’s ‘Official Way To Pay’, marking the payments company’s first move into sport.

The partnership gives Zilch a high-profile launchpad inside one of football’s biggest fanbases, while offering league leaders Arsenal another tech-forward partner positioned directly in its retail pipeline.

To kick off the deal, Zilch is giving £50,000 back to supporters. The company says that the first 1,000 fans who spend £50 or more on Arsenal Direct after 12pm today will receive £50 off their purchase.

The club has promised fans ongoing perks, including up to 10% off at The Armoury (club shop), chances to win match tickets, access to merchandise drops, hospitality experiences and occasional player meet-and-greets.

Based on an ad spend model (users are given spending credit for ads viewed) Zilch has positioned itself in a place to get football fans using its platform by tying rewards to the things they already buy.

Arsenal will benefit from taking another step in making retail spending smoother and more incentivised at a time when matchday and merchandise revenues are booming.

Both sides say the partnership is aimed at giving supporters more flexible, reward-driven ways to engage with the club.

Philip Belamant, CEO and Co-Founder of Zilch, said: “We have spent the past five years building a customer base of over 5 million highly engaged users – and we’ve done so organically through the strength of our proposition. We are hugely excited as we now embark on our first brand partnership with one of the most recognisable brands in the world, Arsenal.

“The club has a hugely engaged supporter-base, and at a time when sports brands are looking at partners to help bring supporters closer to them and deepen the supporter experience, this partnership aligns perfectly.”

Juliet Slot, chief commercial officer at Arsenal, said: “Zilch is a new and exciting proposition with an industry-leading brand that will put our supporters at the heart of everything we want to achieve together. Their support and investment will help drive our ambition to win major trophies, and we’re looking forward to bringing new ways for our global Arsenal family to feel even closer to the club.”

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1763728701labto1763728701ofdlr1763728701owedi1763728701sni@g1763728701niwe.1763728701yrrah1763728701