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

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

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

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

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

Buzz Points said it can create additional revenue for financialinstitutions and give local businesses a turnkey marketing solutionthat provides the data analysis and targeted marketing technologiesthey need to expand their market reach, attract new business andincrease the loyalty of existing members and customers.

“Being able to keep dollars in Utah where they strengthen thelocal economy is particularly appealing to us. We believe ourmembers will wholeheartedly adopt this new rewards program,” RandyGailey, president/CEO of Horizon CU said.

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