Garanti Bank launches PayPass cards in Turkey
MasterCard Europe has announced the launch of the first European PayPass contactless credit card programme, in partnership with Garanti Bank in Turkey, which operates the award-winning Bonus Card loyalty programme based on MasterCard credit cards.
Garanti bank is to reissue 25,000 Tap & Go cards, which use MasterCard PayPass technology, to existing Bonus cardholders. Starbucks, Burger King and cinema chain Cinebonus have already signed up to accept MasterCard PayPass in Turkey.
Greater speed - and spend MasterCard PayPass provides an alternative to cash that allows for small ticket purchases to be completed quickly and securely. There's no need to swipe a card or sign a receipt for any PayPass purchase worth less than US$25. To use their new card, Turkish consumers simply tap the card on a PayPass reader at participating merchant check-outs.
According to MasterCard's own data, the average PayPass transaction, whether credit or debit, is worth approximately US$20. Around 75% of all PayPass transactions are for purchases below US$25 and 45% are for purchases below US$10. Consumers also use their payment cards more frequently once those cards become PayPass-enabled - approximately 18% more often on average.
Global rollouts There are a number of PayPass-related programmes currently underway in ten countries around the world. PayPass rollouts and trials have been announced in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Malaysia, Australia, Taiwan, and the Philippines, with more programmes and rollouts being anticipated during 2006.
At the end of Q2 2006, there were nearly 10 million PayPass cards and devices in the market, and some 32,000 merchant locations around the world that accepted PayPass (including US-based McDonald's, 7 Eleven, CVS, Duane Reade, Sheetz and Regal Entertainment Group). But interest in PayPass has not been limited to retailers and fast food - it has also proved popular in sports facilities as well, and is now accepted in many Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Football League (NFL) stadiums, as well as at a number of golf events.
Commenting on the launch in Istanbul, Javier Perez, president for MasterCard Europe, said, "Contactless payments have a major role to play in the replacement of cash in European commerce, and our PayPass launch with Garanti Bank is a critical step forward."
For additional information: · Previous related news (Mar 2003, Aug 2004, Oct 2004, Feb 2006)· Visit Garanti Bank at http://www.garantibank.com · Visit MasterCard at http://www.mastercard.com