July 6, 2009

• News:  Google Launches New Seach Engine

  Google has a new marketing element that targets consumer's by their FICO credit score. Credit card customers with prime FICO scores have noticed a different group of advertisers pop up when they are doing their searches. If they haven't yet experienced the higher priced luxury items and services advertising, they should expect to see them soon if Google's test program proves beneficial. Google has partnered with a data analytics firm to produce a data base of over two million prime credit card users with FICO scores of 720 and higher. The giant internet search company says they obtain information directly from customers when they completed credit card applications online. Just before submitting the application in small print the site asks if they can use the consumer's personal financial history as a tool to sell more items. When checked, it gives Google permission to use their FICO scores.
  
  In the wake of the credit crunch credit card companies have not been as willing to extend credit to just anyone; now they only consider prime customers. Google aims to attract credit card companies with the new strategy. The new search engine will give merchants a more lucrative audience to flaunt their higher priced wares. According to Google, they don't actually have consumers' FICO scores nor have they seen any consumers' scores. The search engine doesn't actually collect scores it only divides consumers into specific segments based on scores. Additionally, Google doesn't plan on using this prime consumer data base to advertise for any of its products or offerings. They also maintain that they do not discriminate in any way in their own advertising.
  
  Google is an American organization located in Mountain View, California that has grown to massive proportions in a mere decade. Fortune Magazine has named the company as the "#1 Best Place to Work" and the "most powerful brand" worldwide. Moving some of the globes largest credit card companies into their portfolio will serve to keep them on the top for long while.
  
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