Retailer Target announced that it will be the first brick-and-mortar chain to sell gift cards for Facebook Credits, the social network's universal virtual currency system.
The gift cards, which are available in increments of $15, $25, and $50 (the $15 card will be exclusively available at Target) will begin rolling out to the retailer's more than 1,700 locations across the country on September 5th.
With the cards, Facebook users will be able to buy virtual currency and goods in over 150 social games and apps that support Credits, without needing to use a credit card or provide personal details. Many popular titles offer Credits as a payment option, including FarmVille, Mafia Wars, and Bejeweled Blitz.
Prepaid cards for Facebook games are typically limited to a particular title or publisher -- Target also sells cards for individual titles and companies, like YoVille and Playdom -- but Credits are designed to provide a more portable alternative to those game/app- or publisher-specific virtual currencies.
Though the Credits system is still in beta, many major developers have already pledged to use the social network's universal virtual currency exclusively in their titles. Playdom, RockYou, and CrowdStar have gone so far as to sign five-year agreements with Facebook to only use Credits.
"At Target we strive to delight our guests with exciting, new products every day, so we're thrilled to be the first retailer to sell Facebook Credits gift cards," says Target's Merchandising SVP Mark Schindele.
Schindele adds, "With social gaming becoming increasingly popular, Facebook Credits gift cards provide an easy and convenient option for Target guests to purchase virtual goods."
