Speaking of instant gratification, whatever it is (fast food, instant tellers, pre-packaged meals) we, as a society, want it now. We actually stand in front of the microwave wondering why it takes so long! Well, when it comes to bankcards, the wait is over. Now retail banks can issue Visa-branded financial cards on the spot. It only stands to reason that if it can be done on the Internet (see previous story), it should be able to be done in person. By the way, don't you wish merchant accounts could be approved instantly?
The development is due to the DataCard® 150i card personalization system. The 150i is the industry's only instant issuance system to offer full compliance with standards listed in Visa's Instant Card Issuance Security Standards Guide. (The Standards Guide sets the minimum security standards required for banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to instantly issue Visa products.)
The 150i delivers ready-to-use cards in a single-pass operation. Standard features include embossing, magnetic stripe encoding, and color topping, with optional indent printing and smart card personalization capabilities.
"Prior to allowing instant card issuance in a branch environment, Visa elected to develop security standards for its members to follow," said Keith Clayton, vice president of DataCard's retail banking group. "With its robust security features, the 150i served as the benchmark for Visa to develop the standards relating to card issuance hardware."
Security features of the DataCard 150i include password-protected financial card production, a non-resetable card counter for audit trail purposes, and the exclusive ability to process encrypted data. For physical protection, the DataCard 150i also requires a password for unlocking the front cover, and can be firmly bolted to a countertop to prevent theft.
"Now, instead of waiting days or weeks for cards to arrive in the mail, members can hand their customers permanent cards on the spot, or instantly issue replacement cards," Clayton said. "This responsive service is a great way to provide immediate access to funds and services, which helps to strengthen customer loyalty and attract new customers."
For more information about DataCard or the 150i, call (612) 988-1763 or access www.datacard.com.
