MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - July 11, 2011) - National Bank (TSX:NA) is proud to launch its International direct payment solution that will allow National Bank Client Card holders to use their debit cards worldwide via the Maestro® network.1
In concrete terms, this means that Client Card holders will have greater access to their funds and be able to pay for purchases via Maestro® at more than 13 million participating merchants in more than 100 countries* around the world. As in Canada, clients simply need to enter their PIN to authorize the payment and the purchase amount is debited directly from their bank account.**
"Electronic payment is rapidly changing and we are making it one of our top priorities. Right now, direct payments make up the bulk of debit transactions, and with the growing number of people travelling all around the globe, it was vital for us to meet our clients' changing needs," stated Eric Paquet, Senior Manager – Retail Transaction and Payment Solutions at National Bank Financial Group.
For National Bank clients travelling outside Canada, the Client Card is now as convenient a payment solution as credit cards and foreign currency.
About National Bank of Canada
National Bank of Canada is an integrated group that provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank has over $154 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 18,492 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:NA). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca. To access National Bank Financial Group's financial education portal, visit www.clearfacts.ca.
(1) Maestro is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Inc.
*Data as at June 2011 Source: MasterCard Worldwide
**Transaction fees and currency conversion fees apply. For details concerning transactions carried out in foreign currencies, refer to the Agreement Governing the Use of Automated and Electronic Banking Solutions, available in branches and at www.nbc.ca. Transactions carried out in a foreign currency other than the U.S. dollar will first be converted into U.S. dollars and then into Canadian dollars.
