Program Description
The MCC Merchant Card is a prepaid card with a merchant name or logo. The card can be issued in bulk to the merchant with predefined value, or individually with a unique value. The Merchant Card is an unbranded Visa® or MasterCard® Card that uses debit authorization and settlement infrastructure. The card can only be used for payments of goods or services with the merchant participating in the card program. The cards are activated by the merchant at time of purchase and can be used until the card expires or the funds are fully depleted.

Target Market
Any retailer can issue a merchant card as a gift certificate alternative. Financial institutions can identify retailers that are customers and offer the card to them. This is a good cross-sell opportunity for merchant customers.

Features

Unbranded Visa® or MasterCard® stored-value card

Electronic authorization required through Visa® or MasterCard® Card for purchases

Web access and VRU available for card balance and activity

Fraud management to reduce unauthorized transactions

Card can be activated through merchant terminal, Web site, or VRU

Value can be added to card upon activation

Authorizations are restricted to participating merchants

Cards must be printed and not embossed

Cards can be preordered in bulk with predefined value

Cards can be issued on-site with unique value

Consumer Benefits

Convenient to purchase and use

Safer than cash

Can be used for gift giving

Can be used at a merchant store, through a Web site, or through a mail or telephone order

Merchant Benefits

Provides access to card and transaction information

Builds customer loyalty with additional product offering

Electronic-based processing eliminates paper

Remaining value on card is not redeemable for cash

Issuer Benefits

Fee income

Additional product offerings

Customer loyalty

Relationship opportunity

Turnkey program setup and management