Web-Based Sign Up and Activation on Tempo Affinity Debit Platform Lets Consumers Customize Cards That Link to Existing Checking Accounts
SAN MATEO, CA--(Marketwire - April 5, 2010) - Tempo announced today that its affinity debit platform is now being utilized by the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope to provide donors with debit cards that support the Barry Manilow-created nonprofit organization's campaign to save public school music programs "one swipe at a time."
Each time a Manilow Fund for Health and Hope debit card is used to make a purchase, the organization will receive a portion of standard transaction fees, utilizing cardholders' purchasing power instead of out-of-pocket money to increase the Fund's revenue. Proceeds will be used by the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope's Manilow Music Project to put musical instruments into the hands of public school students across the U.S.
Music icon Barry Manilow formed The Manilow Music Project in 2008, as part of his non-profit Manilow Fund for Health and Hope, in an effort to help meet the needs of severely depleted public school music programs. The Project has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of instruments and materials to school music programs across the country.
"Tempo's affinity debit card platform makes it easy and cost-effective for the Manilow Fund for Health and Hope to put a new fund-raising instrument in the hands of our supporters," said Kirsten Kief, Manilow Fund for Health and Hope Director. "The card links to their existing checking accounts and they are helping to save our music programs one swipe at a time and with no additional out-of-pocket cost for each use."
The Manilow Fund for Health and Hope Debit Card can be used anywhere Debit MasterCard cards are accepted, and can also provide cash-back and ATM withdrawal access. During the sign-up process, consumers can customize their cards with their own artwork or select one of four-predesigned cards.
"Debit cards are increasingly the preferred payment choice of consumers," said Tempo CEO Mike Grossman. "Tempo's affinity debit platform makes it simple, easy and fun for Manilow Fund for Health and Hope supporters to put their debit card purchasing power behind The Manilow Music Project."
Using software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology, Tempo's affinity debit platform makes it easy for organizations to offer affinity debit cards and provides a web portal for consumers to apply for and activate cards, as well as track purchases and rewards online.
Tempo-enabled debit cards are affinity partner-branded, generate valuable cardholder rewards, and can be used for online and offline purchases and ATM withdrawals. The cards are issued by Tempo partner First Bank & Trust of Brookings, SD, part of Fishback Financial Corporation. Working with First Bank & Trust, Tempo manages all aspects of card issuance, including risk management, application processing, card fulfillment, authorization and settlement.
Other non-profits that are offering Tempo-powered affinity debit card programs include the Breast Cancer Fund, Greenpeace, In Defense of Animals, Surfrider Foundation and World Emergency Relief.
About Tempo
Tempo is the leader in enabling organizations to quickly and easily offer affinity and co-branded debit cards to their customers, contributors and members. The open loop cards are rewards-based, partner-branded, and linked to the consumer's existing checking account. Tempo provides its affinity partners with a Web-based platform that makes it easy to launch and market co-branded debit programs. The partners benefit by generating new revenue, and building loyalty through the delivery of enhanced cardholder value. Tempo is privately held and is headquartered in San Mateo, CA. For additional information, visit www.tempo.com.
Tempo is the leader in enabling organizations to quickly and easily offer affinity and co-branded debit cards to their customers, contributors and members. The open loop cards are rewards-based, partner-branded, and linked to the consumer's existing checking account. Tempo provides its affinity partners with a Web-based platform that makes it easy to launch and market co-branded debit programs. The partners benefit by generating new revenue, and building loyalty through the delivery of enhanced cardholder value. Tempo is privately held and is headquartered in San Mateo, CA. For additional information, visit www.tempo.com.
These cards are issued by First Bank & Trust, Brookings, SD, pursuant to a license by MasterCard® International Incorporated. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. First Bank & Trust is a member of the FDIC and part of the Fishback Financial Corporation.
