Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The application of pre-paid cash card for consumers ( updated version)


Pre-paid cash card (stored value card)

A pre-paid cash card or better known as stored value card (SVC) is a credit card-sized plastic card with an integrated circuit embedded in it. This embedded circuit allows the card to store information and perform certain transactions when inserted into special devices designed to read and process the cards. There are two main categories: closed-loop cards, such as merchant gift cards, transit system fare cards, and prepaid telephone cards; and open-loop cards, which can be used at many retail merchants and for banking purposes, such as receiving direct deposits or withdrawing cash from automated teller machines. Open-loop cards can be reloaded with additional value. Banks have been offering stored value cards as a gateway to servicing the needs of consumers who have income from wages or benefits but lack access to conventional checking or savings accounts. Transaction security can range from low to high, depending on the pre-determined application of the card. Although stored value cards can be used to support a variety of applications and perform a variety of functions, the ones supported by the U.S. Department of the Treasury are used primarily to perform financial transactions.

examples of pre-paid cash card (stored value cards)


Application of pre-paid cash card( stored value card)

The business case for stored value cards (i.e. gift cards, coffee cards, phone cards, gas cards, etc.) has been proven time and time again. Stored value cards not only enable quick point-of-sale processing times, but they can be given away as gifts thereby attracting new customers to your business. Grow your customer base by implementing a stored value card program today. Federal Agencies currently using SVC applications include the Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy. SVC systems are installed on Army and Air Force bases in the U.S. wherever a basic training operation exists, overseas at several bases with deployed troops, as well as on ships at sea. SVC cards can be used as payment in post exchanges and post offices, ships stores, vending machines, and used for MW.

Sample or applications:

  • Payroll Cards
  • Benefits Cards
  • Gift Cards
  • Employee Purchases
  • Sales Commissions
  • Employee Incentive
  • Travel Expense Card
  • Parent-to-Student Money Transfer
  • General Money Transfer
  • Shopping Mall Card
  • Long Distance Telephone Card

Stored Value Cards and Pre-Paid ATM cards available for "closed loop" and "open loop" applications. These cards can also be specified as re-loadable or non-reloadable cards.


SVC in fast food industry


served for transportation purposes


SVC can act as "gift card"

Benefits:

The Financial Management Services has developed a number of SVC applications designed to improve financial controls and cash-management applications, streamline administrative processes, and improve the quality of life of cardholders. Stored value cards are low-cost, easy to issue, and easy to use. They have been used to:

  • Simplify administrative processes for issuing financial instruments to individuals
  • Convert cash and paper transactions to electronic
  • Eliminate the cost of securing, transporting, and accounting for cash
  • Speed transaction time at point-of-sale
  • Eliminate manually intensive back-end processes associated with scrip, vouchers, meal tickets, money orders, traveler's checks, and other payment mechanisms
  • Eliminate financial "float-loss"
  • Reduce exposure to risk of theft/loss
  • Improve quality of life for cardholders
  • SVC resulted convenient towards consumers

0 comments: