Why Capital One Wanted to Spark a Conversation About Credit

Credit Education Campaign: Capital One was preparing to launch its Credit Helper tool, a consumer-facing resource designed to improve credit health and transparency. But in a crowded market of apps and score simulators, they needed a creative hook—something that would generate buzz and drive real media engagement.

They turned to TheMoneyCoach.net to help plan and execute a campaign that would inform, entertain, and differentiate.

How TheMoneyCoach.net Brought a Game Show to Life

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox worked with Capital One’s marketing and PR team to design a media-focused launch event unlike any other: a Credit Quiz Show.

The campaign featured:

• A game show-style event with teams made up of actual journalists
• Questions centered around credit scores, myths, and smart behaviours
  
• A fun, fast-paced format that made financial education competitive and memorable
• On-site presence by Lynnette as host, guide, and expert commentator

Reporters from national publications, TV, and online media were invited to participate—not just observe—making them part of the content itself.

A Media Strategy That Actually Entertained the Media

The event worked on multiple levels:

• It created organic buzz—reporters were personally invested and eager to share the experience
• It positioned Capital One as a creative thought leader in credit education.
• It leveraged Lynnette’s credibility to anchor the campaign with trusted financial advic.e

The tone was smart, lighthearted, and empowering—removing shame from credit conversations and replacing it with confidence and curiosity.

Estimated Reach and Lasting Brand Impact

Though Capital One didn’t release direct campaign metrics, the Credit Helper campaign received:

• Coverage from outlets including The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, and local TV
• Earned media through blog mentions, social media posts, and video recaps
• A surge in traffic to the Credit Helper tool landing page after event publication

This campaign exemplified how educational PR can also be entertainment when it’s audience-first and emotionally intelligent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Credit Helper campaign trying to achieve?

To promote Capital One’s Credit Helper tool in a way that educates and engages consumers—without feeling like another financial product push.

What role did TheMoneyCoach.net play?

Lynnette co-designed the campaign, served as host and credit expert, and helped shape the tone of the event to balance credibility with fun.

Who participated in the credit quiz show?

Members of the media—from major outlets to regional reporters—competed in teams, making the event a built-in publicity engine.

What was the outcome of the campaign?

Extensive media coverage, increased brand visibility for Capital One, and positive association with accessible, fun financial education.

Can this format be used again or by others?

Yes—it’s an excellent model for brands that want to bring energy to serious topics while still delivering educational value.

Final Takeaway

Capital One’s collaboration with TheMoneyCoach.net showed that financial education campaigns don’t have to be boring to be effective. With the right strategy and voice, even complex topics like credit can be turned into stories worth sharing—and tools worth using.