Physical meets digital: Tap into real-time relationships with Muse

In the age of rapid digital transformation, the traditional exchange of business cards almost feels quaint—often outshined by more modern, digital interactions. What if the business card, long considered an essential in-person tool, was poised for a comeback? Reinvented to not just fit, but thrive in the digital landscape. That’s the idea behind Muse from Capital One – a tap-to-scan card designed to seamlessly connect car dealers and buyers in the modern age. And instead of needing boxes of them, all dealers need is one.

Each dealership representative can receive a sleek, black metal card personalized with their name embossed on the front. Muse stands out with its built-in Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology. A single tap on a mobile phone shares the representative’s contact information and links to the dealership, its inventory, and pre-qualification opportunities from Capital One – progressing buyers through the sales journey. And for those without NFC-enabled phones, a QR code offers the same experience.

Muse can turn chance encounters into potentially valuable opportunities. Whether a potential car buyer meets a representative on the lot, at the grocery store or even at a weekend barbecue, one tap helps ensure the connection is made, and dealers can have the real sales conversation later without missing a beat. Customer details and data from Muse interactions are attributed to each sales person or access point, making follow-ups easy.

“Making that initial connection and building a relationship is incredibly important in sales,” says Capital One President of Financial Services Sanjiv Yajnik. “But without a seamless way to follow up, opportunities can fizzle out. Muse reinvents that critical first impression and combines the best of both worlds, helping buyers and sellers stay in touch and move forward together.”

For buyers, the experience is just as smooth. A tap or scan of the Muse card brings up the salesperson’s profile, complete with contact information, inventory, and the option to pre-qualify with no impact to their credit score – all within the dealership’s digital ecosystem. Muse also provides directions to the dealership for an easy in-person follow up.

Muse can help close the loop between the physical and digital world. As research from Capital One’s Car Buying Outlook shows, two-thirds of car buyers (67%) say they would like dealers to enhance their digital tools, but they still value the in-person dealership experience when making a purchase. Muse anchors this digital evolution in a tangible, physical form.

A modern way to help maintain meaningful connections, Muse reflects how technology can enhance the traditional sales process without losing the personal touch. It’s another step forward in helping dealerships adapt to a landscape where digital tools and face-to-face experiences work hand in hand.