Members of Horizon Credit Union have another way to support local businesses and earn rewards at the same time.

The $118 million cooperative in Farmington, Utah, said it is the first in the state to offer Buzz Points, a merchant-funded rewards platform that works with community financial institutions and local businesses to engage mutual customers.

Credit union members can earn points by using their debit or credit cards whenever they shop, according to Buzz Points Inc., based in Austin, Texas.

Members can also earn more points for local shopping and the most points for shopping with local businesses enrolled in the Buzz Points program.

Participants in the free program earn points automatically through debit and credit card purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards, cash cards and donations to local nonprofits using the Buzz Points' web interface or mobile app.

Buzz Points said it can create additional revenue for financial institutions and give local businesses a turnkey marketing solution that provides the data analysis and targeted marketing technologies they need to expand their market reach, attract new business and increase the loyalty of existing members and customers.

“Being able to keep dollars in Utah where they strengthen the local economy is particularly appealing to us. We believe our members will wholeheartedly adopt this new rewards program,” Randy Gailey, president/CEO of Horizon CU said.  

More than 30,000 businesses nationwide participate in the Buzz Points program, according to the company.