Sovereign Bank Announces Debit MasterCard® Major League Baseball® World Series® Sweepstakes

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Three winners will receive a trip for two to a 2011 Major League Baseball® World Series® game

BOSTON, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sovereign Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, today announced the new limited time only Sovereign Bank Debit MasterCard® Major League Baseball® (MLB) World Series® Sweepstakes.  The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a three-day, two-night trip for two to a 2011 MLB® World Series® game.

"We entered 2011 with a commitment to rewarding our loyal customers for making everyday purchases," said Eduardo Tobon, Head of Santander's U.S. Cards Division.  "We want customers to feel motivated and excited to use their Sovereign Debit Card every day. The MLB® World Series® Sweepstakes is another great opportunity for Sovereign Checking Account holders to win a priceless experience as a result of banking with Sovereign Santander."

From August 1 through September 15, 2011, Sovereign Consumer Debit MasterCard customers will receive one entry into the sweepstakes each time they use their card to make a purchase.  Transactions using a Sovereign Business Debit MasterCard are not eligible for entries into the sweepstakes.

Winners of the sweepstakes will receive one of three Grand Prize packages, including:

• Two round-trip coach flights
• Transfers to/from the airport in city of event
• Three-day/two-night double-occupancy five-star hotel accommodations
• On-site concierge
• Two tickets to the World Series® game
• Access to watch batting practice from the field
• A $600 pre-paid MasterCard Gift Card (one per package)
• Welcome reception and select meals
• Priceless Moments Collection gift bag (one per package)
• Breakfast daily in the hotel

The sweepstakes is open to new and existing Sovereign Consumer Bank Debit MasterCard customers, and the general public.  No purchase is required to participate in any sweepstakes Sovereign Bank sponsors.

The complete list of sweepstakes prize details and Official Rules are available at www.sovereignbank.com/mlbsweepstakes.

All Sovereign Debit MasterCard Cards come with special benefits for consumers, including Purchase Assurance Coverage, Extended Warranty and Satisfaction Guarantee.  Consumer Debit MasterCard holders also have access to special travel services and emergency roadside assistance, while Business Debit MasterCard members get added rental insurance and liability protection.

About Sovereign and Santander

Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (SAN.MC, STD.N) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A. and is the holding company for Sovereign Bank and Santander Consumer USA. Santander is a retail and commercial bank, headquartered inSpain, with a presence in ten main markets: Spain, Portugal, Germany, the UK, Poland, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and the U.S. Founded in 1857, Santander has 92 million customers, approximately 14,000 branches –– more than any other international bank –– and over 170,000 employees. For more information on Santander, visit http://www.santander.com.

Sovereign Bank, a subsidiary of Banco Santander, S.A., is a financial institution with principal markets in the northeastern United States. Sovereign has more than 700 branches, nearly 2,300 ATMs, and approximately 8,000 team members. For more information on Sovereign Bank, visit http://www.sovereignbank.com or call 877-SOV-BANK.

SOURCE Sovereign Bank

Launch of PlayStation® Network Card Supported by InComm

Now available at more than 13,000 stores nationwide

ATLANTA, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- InComm, the leader in sales and marketing of prepaid products and innovator of transaction processing, has started its service for Sony Computer Entertainment's "PlayStation® Network Card." As of July 25, the cards are available for sale throughout Japan in over 13,000 retail stores that are also supported by InComm's innovative point of sale activation (POSA) technology.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110525/CL09221LOGO)

The PlayStation Network Card is a prepaid card that can be used to purchase digital content. The value of the card will be transferred to the user's PlayStation Network wallet by entering the 12-digit number printed on the card. Funds in the user's PlayStation Network wallet will allow users to purchase products like games and videos available through the PlayStation Store. The PlayStation Network Card is available in 3,000 yen, 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen denominations.

InComm's Fastcard POSA technology allows retailers to activate prepaid cards at the point-of-sale, eliminating the risk and cumbersome control procedures required for maintaining an inventory of value bearing cards. It also allows prepaid cards to be displayed for sale without the risk of theft and shrinkage. Using this POSA technology, card issuers also have the opportunity to leverage card design in marketing the cards.

About InComm

InComm is the industry leading marketer, distributor and technology innovator of stored-value gift and prepaid products using its state-of-the-art point-of-sale transaction technology and payment solutions to revolutionize retail product sales and customer experiences. With nearly $13 billion in retail sales transactions processed in 2010, InComm is the nation's largest provider of gift cards, prepaid wireless products, reloadable debit cards, digital music downloads, content, games, software and bill payment solutions. InComm partners with consumer brand leaders around the world to provide more than 225,000 retail locations the products and services their customers demand. Since 1992, InComm's patented technologies have made the buying process easier for consumers, while streamlining the selling process for product and retail partners. InComm is headquartered in Atlantawith offices in Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Arkansas, California,Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Oregon, and Texas. To learn more about InComm, visit www.incomm.com or call (800) 352-3084.  Visit InComm Japan at www.incomm.co.jp.

SOURCE InComm

Global Payout to Launch Civilian Payroll Debit Card for U.S. Employers

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SAN DIEGO, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Global Payout, Inc. (OTC Pink: GOHE) is launching payroll debit cards to U.S. companies  seeking to significantly reduce costs and improve efficiencies in payroll processing to its employees.

The company will conduct an outbound telemarketing campaign beginning September 6, 2011 that will include contacting over 12,000 civilian U.S. companies in construction, hospitality, waste management, janitorial and employment agencies.

"Payroll debit cards have gone main-stream by catering to people who are underserved or un-banked," stated Jim Hancock, Global Payout Chief Executive Officer.  "Nearly one in five Americans are un-banked and the number is growing.  Our company is positioning itself for rapid growth based upon the estimated amount of money loaded onto prepaid cards that will reach $552 billion in 2012 from $330 billion three years earlier".

The payroll debit card will enable employees without bank accounts to access cash immediately on payday without the expense and time of cashing checks.  Employees will be given a free payroll debit card that can access cash at ATMs nationwide and purchase products and services at merchants or online stores.  There will be no monthly service fee, customer service or point of sale fees and the first ATM withdrawal is free for each pay period.  The company will offer a surcharge free ATM network that will enable employees to withdraw cash at 43,000 locations nationwide without a surcharge fee.  All cardholders will be able to access their accounts and transfer money from their cell phone or the internet.  In addition, each cardholder will be automatically enrolled in a comprehensive medical and pharmacy discount program linked with 410,000 physicians and 59,000 pharmacies.  Employers will not be charged for cards, set-up or loading of payroll debit cards.

About Global Payout, Inc.:

Global Payout, Inc., www.globalpayout.com, headquartered in San Diego, California, is a payment solutions provider offering U.S. and International companies electronic payment and prepaid debit card solutions. Through Global Payout's processors and solution providers the company offers an international payment platform allowing accountholders to move money to personal bank accounts in over 200 countries. In addition, the company provides for U.S. and International debit cards, allowing accountholders without bank accounts to access funds worldwide. As a program manager and reseller, Global, is a provider of prepaid debit cards in the U.S. for payroll and general spend programs.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure:

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. In this context, award looking statements may address the Company's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "will" and other terms with similar meaning. These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct. All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risk, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

CONTACT:
Joe Sebo, Chief Financial Officer
joe@globalpayout.com
Global Payout, Inc.
T.760.433.3399
F.215.294.4626
www.globalpayout.com

SOURCE Global Payout, Inc.

VeriFone to Report Third Quarter Fiscal 2011 Results on September 6, 2011

August 09, 2011 12:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time 

Reschedules Earnings Webcast and Call to Avoid Holiday Conflicts

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VeriFone Systems, Inc. (NYSE: PAY) has rescheduled the release of its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 to avoid conflicts caused by the Labor Day holiday in the U.S. Third quarter results will now be released after the market closes on September 6, 2011.

The management of VeriFone will host a conference call to review the financial results on September 6, 2011, at 1:30 pm (PT). In addition to discussing VeriFone's third quarter results, management may provide forward looking guidance on the call.

To access the audio webcast with slides, please go to VeriFone's website (http://ir.verifone.com) at least ten minutes prior to the call to register. The recorded audio webcast will be available on VeriFone's website until September 13, 2011.

To hear the live conference call by phone, please dial the following numbers:

Domestic callers:			866-383-8119
International callers:			+1-617-597-5344
Passcode:			5906 2925

To hear a replay of the conference call, which will be available until September 13, 2011, please dial the following numbers:

Domestic callers:			888-286-8010
International callers:			+1-617-801-6888
Passcode:			5318 2094

John Postle Named General Manager of JHA Payment Processing Solutions

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Recently created executive position provides oversight of one of Jack Henry & Associates' fastest growing business lines -

MONETT, Mo., Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: JKHY), a leading provider of technology solutions and payment processing services primarily for financial services organizations, today announced that John Postle has been named to the recently created position of general manager of its JHA Payment Processing Solutions® (PPS) division. PPS encompasses Jack Henry & Associates' jhaPassPort suite of ATM and debit transaction processing services, and the payment processing services added through the company's October 2009 acquisition of Pemco Technologies.

Mr. Postle has served for the past 10 years as the manager of the jhaPassPort business line and was instrumental in the acquisition of Pemco Technologies. Effective July 1, 2011, he began providing executive oversight of the development, quality assurance, support, installation, operations, communications, and education departments that support PPS. In his expanded role, he joined the company's senior management team that encompasses functionally aligned general managers, and he will report to Tony Wormington, president of Jack Henry & Associates.  

According to Mr. Wormington, "Our PPS business lines continue to experience significant growth in the marketplace and are now processing approximately two billion transactions a year. This strategic business line now generates 19 percent of our company's revenue, so designating a dedicated general manager for this growing business is the best interest of our more than 1,000 financial institution clients and our company. John's extensive experience and working knowledge of ATM, debit card, and credit card transaction processing uniquely qualifies him for this new position. We are confident that John will make ongoing tactical and strategic contributions to this important and growing component of our business."

Mr. Postle's career began in 1978 as a part-time drive-in teller while attending college at the University of Houston. His banking career progressed to roles of increasing operational responsibility including opening a de novo bank in 1985 as vice president/cashier. Following his banking career, Mr. Postle joined a software company in 1998 as chief financial officer and gained experience in mergers and acquisitions which eventually lead to a software firm catering to active traders where he served as a registered representative managing operations of a hosted data center for broker/dealers. He holds a BBA in Finance and lives in Houston, Texas with his wife Kellie and their two sons, Reid and Morgan.  

About JHA Payment Processing Solutions (PPS)

JHA Payment Processing Solutions provides payment solutions to the financial industry including ATM, debit, and credit card transaction processing services. These innovative solutions include one of the largest switches in the United States, online real-time transaction authorization and processing, signature and PIN-based processing, access to one of the credit union industry's largest surcharge-free ATM networks, in-house and outsourced fraud prevention and detection solutions, cardholder awards programs, card program management and profitability solutions, card manufacturing and personalization, instant issue and activation, marketing materials and programs, and renowned customer service. Additional information is available atwww.weknowpayments.com.

About Jack Henry & Associates, Inc.

Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. (NASDAQ: JKHY) is a leading provider of technology solutions and payment processing services primarily for financial services organizations. Its technology solutions serve more than 11,200 customers nationwide, and are marketed and supported through four primary brands. Jack Henry Banking supports banks ranging from de novo to mid-tier institutions with information processing solutions. Symitar is the leading provider of information processing solutions for credit unions of all sizes. ProfitStars® provides highly specialized products and services that enable financial institutions of every asset size and charter, and diverse corporate entities to mitigate and control risks, optimize revenue and growth opportunities, and contain costs. iPay Technologies™ operates as a leading electronic bill pay provider supporting banks and credit unions with turnkey, highly configurable retail and small business electronic payment platforms.  Additional information is available atwww.jackhenry.com.

Research and Markets: Top Revenue Mobile Commerce Applications 2011-2016

August 09, 2011 10:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Top Revenue Mobile Commerce Applications 2011-2016" report to their offering.

Mobile commerce is enabled by a combination of technologies including networking, embedded systems, databases, and security. We provide a technology evaluation including an analysis of the major systems and components. We evaluate emerging business opportunities in m-commerce including:

• 3D Virtual m-commerce
• Location and m-commerce
• M-commerce in healthcare
• Mobile commerce and cloud computing

The report provides analysis of the current and the future market of mobile commerce applications. It identifies market opportunities and forecasts to 2016 for mobile commerce applications. It evaluates key issues and concerns such as security and privacy. It analyzes global market dynamics through within specific regions and countries. It evaluates mobile commerce applications by category including: payments, mobile banking, education, Enterprise resource planning (ERP), entertainment, health care, inventory tracking and dispatching, traffic, travel and ticketing.

Audience:

• Mobile Network Operators
• Mobile Software Developers
• OSS/BSS Solution Providers
• Handset and Tablet Manufacturers
• Mobile Payment Service Providers
• Content and Applications Aggregators
• Wireless Privacy and Security Specialists
• Mobile Marketing and Advertising Providers
• Telecommunications Infrastructure Providers

Companies Mentioned:

• Nexus
• Nokia
• Sagam
• Pantech
• Samsung
• Hedy
• Shanghai Simcom
• Motorolla
• Axia
• Casio

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/b996d9/top_revenue_mobile

Contacts

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Retail Decisions Announce Board Change

August 09, 2011 04:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

• Carl Clump appointed Group Chairman
• Former First Data Executive Paul Stanley, becomes CEO

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Retail Decisions (ReD), a world-leader in payment fraud prevention and payment processing, has announced changes to its Board which will see Carl Clump become Group Chairman and Paul Stanley appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Paul Stanley joins as CEO from 1^st August. Paul joins from First Data International, where he last served as Managing Director and Senior Vice President of its financial services business for the European, Middle Eastern, African and Asian regions. Prior to that, Paul was a director at LINK Interchange Network Ltd, and CEO of Moneybox Plc.

Paul brings to ReD a long-standing track record as an executive and entrepreneur in payments businesses globally. His international experience will be valuable in leading ReD to its next phase of international growth.

“Paul Stanley, CEO said I am very excited to be joining the ReD team at this key point in the development of the business. Risk management, security and fraud protection in payments are significant growth areas in the industry and ReD has developed unique intellectual property and a strong team to address this market. I am grateful to Carl for his outstanding leadership of the business over the last 11 years, and look forward to working with the team to deliver further growth and success.”

After over eleven years as CEO, guiding ReD through a period of sustained growth internationally, Carl Clump takes on the role of Group Chairman. Amongst Carl’s responsibilities will be further developing the Asia Pacific market.

Carl Clump, Group Chairman of ReD, said: “Year on year since 2000, ReD has seen astounding growth of 18% compound growth in revenues and a 39% compound increase in operating profit, prior to the company refocusing on its fraud prevention business. It’s a credit to all our staff over the years, and I would like to thank them all very publicly. ReD has transformed from being a card present UK centric fraud prevention provider to a global leader in e-commerce fraud prevention and payment processing, serving many of the world’s largest multi-national blue chip brands. It has been an honour to serve as CEO and I look forward to my new role as Group Chairman and wish Paul Stanley every success for the future.”

About ReD

Retail Decisions (ReD) is a world leader in payment fraud prevention and payment processing. A specialist supplier to the payments industry worldwide, ReD has over 21 years experience in the fraud prevention market. Its blue-chip international clients come from the global telecommunications, retail, travel, petroleum, banking and the broader e-commerce sectors. They include Air China, Comet, John Lewis, Shell, Tesco Mobile, Chevron, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Walmart.

The company has offices in Australia, China, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States, with representation in India, Korea, Japan and South America.

More information about ReD please visit: www.redplc.com

PowerPay to End Childhood Hunger

August 09, 2011 10:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

PowerPay and Share Our Strength^® Come Together to End Childhood Hunger

Power It Forward Offers an Easy Way for Businesses to Make a Difference

PORTLAND, Maine & WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PowerPay proudly announces a new partnership with Share Our Strength, the leading national non-profit working to end childhood hunger in America. As Share Our Strength’s credit card processing partner, and through its Power It Forward program, PowerPay donates 20 percent of its profit from every supporter’s credit card transaction fee to Share Our Strength to help support the organization’s No Kid Hungry^® Campaign to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. More than 17 million kids across America are at risk of hunger and the Power It Forward program offers a great opportunity for restaurants and businesses to support a cause important to every community.

“That’s why we’re excited to partner with Share Our Strength to address childhood hunger. With our Power It Forward program, we can actively engage in putting an end to childhood hunger. All of us together can make a big difference in the lives of hungry children in our country.”

“It’s a sad reality that almost one in four kids in America is struggling with hunger. So we are thrilled to have PowerPay join with other companies, restaurants, food lovers, and dedicated individuals who form a strong base of support for our No Kid Hungry Campaign,” says Debbie Shore, Share Our Strength’s co-founder.

PowerPay offers some of the most advanced card processing options and customized payment processing solutions to customers, including their wireless terminal options and gift card program. Its position as an industry leader means it is responsive to the issues that matter most to businesses. At no additional cost, businesses and restaurants that partner with PowerPay can start making a difference immediately, helping create solutions to childhood hunger each time a credit or debit card transaction takes place. In addition, PowerPay offers a complimentary merchant account savings analysis to demonstrate how a partnership can save businesses money when they choose to process their credit and debit transactions with PowerPay.

“It’s difficult to imagine anyone in our country being hungry, particularly children,” says Tracy Coyne, of PowerPay. “That’s why we’re excited to partner with Share Our Strength to address childhood hunger. With our Power It Forward program, we can actively engage in putting an end to childhood hunger. All of us together can make a big difference in the lives of hungry children in our country.”

PowerPay is currently providing the credit card processing equipment and technology for Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation^®, the nation’s premier culinary benefit dedicated to ending childhood hunger. The program brings together the nation’s hottest chefs and mixologists who donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 Taste of the Nation events across the country and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger.

About PowerPay

PowerPay is one of the nation’s premier providers of integrated eCommerce and point-of-sale (POS) merchant account payment processing solutions. Founded in 2003, the Portland, Maine-based company offers a unique, consultative approach designed to maximize customers’ payment processing efficiency, security and investment. PowerPay’s unique methods of underwriting and risk management coupled with a robust IT department, gives them the flexibility and agility to excel as a payments processor. PowerPay delivers comprehensive, innovative solutions that help customers grow their businesses and improve their bottom lines. For more information, please visit:www.powerpay.biz/sos.

About Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry^® Campaign--a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015-- Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in federal nutrition programs, invests in community organizations fighting hunger, teaches families how to cook healthy, affordable meals, and builds public-private partnerships to end hunger, nationally and at the state and city levels. Visit www.Strength.org to get involved.

Contacts

PowerPay
Lisa Valentine, 877-877-3737
lvalentine@powerpay.biz
or
Share Our Strength
Ann Houseman, 202-478-6513
ahouseman@strength.org

WIC Benefits Go Electronic in Virginia with Help from ACS, A Xerox Company

August 09, 2011 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In Virginia, electronic cards will replace paper vouchers for participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as WIC.

“WIC EBT can immediately show results for a state and its citizens.”

Using electronic benefits transfer (EBT) services from ACS, A Xerox Company (NYSE: XRX), the cards– which work much like everyday debit cards– will give people greater access to benefits and give the state a more efficient back-office operation.

Under the paper system, WIC participants had to make large one-time food purchases to cover an entire benefit period. With the secure magnetic stripe cards, families will have the flexibility to buy the food they need in smaller amounts.

Authorized WIC retailers in Virginia will also benefit from faster service in the checkout lane. Transactions will be transmitted to the state in real-time, reimbursing retailers quickly and reducing the chance of errors, noncompliance and fraud.

“This solution will help us increase the level of support we provide our families to ensure they receive the benefits they need, when and where they need them,” said Michael Welch, Ph.D., Virginia WIC director. “And because there will be less paperwork for the state, we are able to focus our assets on helping those who rely on our services.”

ACS was the first service provider to implement a statewide, real-time WIC EBT solution. The first program, in Michigan, helped that state lower WIC processing costs by 27 percent, according to an independent study.

“Our solutions are designed to help government agencies improve service and lower costs,” said Joseph Doherty, executive vice president and chief operating officer, ACS Government Solutions. “WIC EBT can immediately show results for a state and its citizens.”

About Xerox

Xerox Corporation is a $22 billion leading global enterprise for business process and document management. Through its broad portfolio of technology and services, Xerox provides the essential back-office support that clears the way for clients to focus on what they do best: their real business. Headquartered in Norwalk, Conn., Xerox provides leading-edge document technology, services, software and genuine Xerox supplies for graphic communication and office printing environments of any size. Through ACS, A Xerox Company, which Xerox acquired in February 2010, Xerox also offers extensive business process outsourcing and IT outsourcing services, including data processing, HR benefits management, finance support, and customer relationship management services for commercial and government organizations worldwide. The 134,000 people of Xerox serve clients in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit http://www.xerox.com, http://news.xerox.com, http://www.realbusiness.com or http://www.acs-inc.com. For investor information, visit http://www.xerox.com/investor.

Note: Connect with ACS, A Xerox Company on Facebook or Twitter. To receive RSS news feeds, visit http://news.xerox.com/pr/xerox/rss.aspx. For open commentary, industry perspectives and views from events visit http://twitter.com/xeroxcorp, http://twitter.com/xeroxoffice, http://twitter.com/xeroxproduction, http://twitter.com/servicesatxerox,http://twitter.com/xeroxevents, http://www.xerox.com/blogs, http://www.xerox.com/podcasts.

XEROX^®, XEROX and Design^® are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Related articles

• Debt ceiling trigger could cut nutritional assistance WIC program (dailykos.com)

Datacard® CardWizard® Instant Issuance Software Selected by Kern Schools Federal Credit Union

Image via CrunchBase

August 09, 2011 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

CardWizard software chosen to instantly issue Visa^® debit cards in all seven full-service branches, in addition to three campus locations

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Datacard Group, the world leader in secure ID and card personalization solutions, today announced that Kern Schools Federal Credit Union has implemented Datacard^® CardWizard^® software for instant debit card issuance. Members leave the branch with an activated, ready-to-use debit card immediately after opening a new checking account or requesting a replacement card.

“That’s when we started evaluating other instant issuance technology vendors and ultimately determined that the Datacard CardWizard software was the best choice. It offered optimum functionality and already interfaced with our new host system, which was extremely important to us.”

Since December 2008, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union has been utilizing CardWizard software only in its three campus service center locations throughout California’s Central Valley. The credit union recently expanded its use of CardWizard software to all of its seven full-service branch locations — replacing its existing instant card issuance software application. The decision was due to CardWizard software’s superior functionally, ease-of-use, security features — and most importantly, its ability to easily integrate into their new host system.

“We recently switched our host application, and although we had been offering instant card issuance for over ten years in our full-service branch locations, the provider we had could not easily integrate into our new system,” said Michael George, vice president of operations for Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. “That’s when we started evaluating other instant issuance technology vendors and ultimately determined that the Datacard CardWizard software was the best choice. It offered optimum functionality and already interfaced with our new host system, which was extremely important to us.”

In addition, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union is utilizing the Datacard^® 150i card personalization system for instant card production and embossing. With the CardWizard software and associated hardware, the Credit Union instantly issues a variety of payment cards including personal debit cards, business debit cards and ATM cards. They alsoissue campus ID cards at their three campus locations.

“Kern Schools Federal Credit Union has been, and will always be, on the cutting edge of innovative products and services,” said George. “Instant card issuance fits perfectly into our business objectives. By offering a Visa debit card in a matter of minutes, we maximize convenience and strengthen our cardholder relationships – which ultimately increases our member loyalty and card usage.”

Instant card issuance and activation is part of the Datacard Secure Issuance Anywhere™ infrastructure which includes scalable, flexible hardware, software, supplies, consultation and project management for any card issuance or personalization environment. The card programs can include central or instant issuance, PIN selection and PIN change, embossed or unembossed cards, mobile payments and NFC personalization, as well as contact, contactless and EMV^®-compliant applications.

For more information, please visit www.instantissuance.com or www.datacard.com.

About Datacard Group

Datacard Group is building on a 40-year heritage of innovation and customer success. Our portfolio of solutions, backed by expert service and support, enable card and secure ID programs for financial, government and other markets worldwide. With an unmatched commitment to customer satisfaction, Datacard remains the industry’s leading brand of secure ID and card personalization solutions. www.datacard.com

About Kern Schools Federal Credit Union

Kern Schools Federal Credit Union was founded in 1938 and was granted a Federal Charter on April 19, 1940. Residents of Kern County are eligible for Membership and receive the benefits of an extensive loan program, including home and auto, merchant services, investment and insurance products, and a lifelong financial partner. With convenient locations throughout Kern County, Kern Schools Federal Credit Union’s Membership has grown to nearly 193,000 and has become the largest Member-owned financial institution in Kern County, California. For more information, visit www.ksfcu.org.

Contacts

Datacard Group
Kristin Eckmann, +1 303-754-2047
kristin_eckmann@datacard.com

Heartland Payment Systems Launches Mobuyle Mobile Payment Acceptance Solution

Image via CrunchBase

August 09, 2011 08:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

First mobile application developed by a major processor provides merchants high-tech, cost-effective line-busting solution

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Heartland Payment Systems^® (NYSE: HPY) launches Mobuyle™ (pronounced MO-buy-uhl), a comprehensive mobile solution that enables merchants to accept credit, debit and gift card payments through their smartphones or mobile devices. Mobuyle is the first mobile application fully designed and developed by a major payments processor, providing business owners the most comprehensive processing capabilities of any mobile payment application currently on the market.

“We are excited to roll out this full-featured, user-friendly mobile processing solution and provide retailers functionality and conveniences that other applications are lacking”

Mobuyle is designed for brick and mortar businesses looking for off-premise processing capabilities or on-site flexibility, including the ability to easily add extra point-of-sale (POS) payment terminals to dispel long checkout lines or “line-busting.” It is also ideal for mobile businesses that want to provide customers convenient payment options. The solution enables merchants to accept all major credit and debit cards, including corporate cards and Heartland Gift Marketing’s loyalty and gift cards, via secure card swipe or manual entry. It features electronic signature capture, GPS location capture, merchandise picture storage, and voice authorization capabilities, and enables merchants to accept card payments even if they are out of range for cellular coverage or WiFi access with Store and Forward (SAF) functionality.

With Mobuyle, merchants pay rates similar to those for traditional card processing, which is much more cost-effective than paying a higher, flat fee for all transactions like some other providers charge. In accordance with The Merchant Bill of Rights and its advocacy for the clear, straightforward presentation of processing costs, Heartland follows an interchange plus pricing model which passes card brand fees directly through to the merchant and charges processing fees separately, making it easier for merchants to see what they are paying and to whom. Business owners also save money by working with Heartland directly and bypassing third-party provider fees.

“We are excited to roll out this full-featured, user-friendly mobile processing solution and provide retailers functionality and conveniences that other applications are lacking,” said Steve Elefant, Heartland’s chief information officer. “Many providers are taking a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to mobile processing, which doesn’t serve business owners with the optimal technology solution for their businesses and ends up costing merchants substantially more in processing fees. With Mobuyle, merchants benefit from robust business applications and can drastically reduce their mobile processing costs.”

Lynette Sturdavant, creative director and manager of S&L Hair Gallery in Jacksonville, NC, and one of Mobuyle’s first users noted, “Success in the retail world ultimately revolves around finding new and innovative ways to better serve our customers. Mobuyle has enabled us to do just that by providing us the flexibility and functionality to increase checkout convenience for patrons and, in turn, boost customer satisfaction. Plus, Heartland helps us keep our mobile processing costs to a minimum, which helps our bottom line.”

Merchants download the Mobuyle application free of charge at the Android Market and purchase the Mobuyle Encrypting Reader, which plugs into their phone’s audio jack, directly from Heartland. When the payment card is swiped, all sensitive information is encrypted with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) — the most secure encryption available — before it leaves the reader, protecting data in transit and never storing cardholder data on the device. Mobuyle also adds another layer of security by using unique encryption keys to protect data with Derived Unique Key Per Transaction (DUKPT) key management. Additionally, all communications from the phone to the POS gateway are secured using 128-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption. After the transaction is complete, merchants can conveniently email receipts to their customers. They can also access comprehensive processing reports on their smartphones or mobile devices or through the Heartland Merchant Center.

Mobuyle’s first application is designed for retail environments and currently serves Android smartphones. Heartland will begin releasing applications for other smartphones and mobile devices, including the iPhone, the iPad and iPod Touch, and other verticals, including restaurants, later this year.

For more information about Mobuyle and accepting mobile payments, visit HeartlandPaymentSystems.com/Mobuyle.

About Heartland Payment Systems

Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (NYSE: HPY), the fifth largest payments processor in the United States, delivers credit/debit/prepaid card processing, gift marketing and loyalty programs, payroll, check management and related business solutions to more than 250,000 business locations nationwide. A FORTUNE 1000 company, Heartland is the founding supporter of The Merchant Bill of Rights, a public advocacy initiative that educates merchants about fair credit and debit card processing practices. The company is also a leader in the development of end-to-end encryption technology designed to protect cardholder data, rendering it useless to cybercriminals. For more information, please visit HeartlandPaymentSystems.com, MerchantBillOfRights.org, CostOfABurger.com and E3secure.com.