News from the Wire

Google Wallet wins two Paybefore awards

Tuesday, April 03, 2012 — 12:33:20 (EDT)

Atlanta, April 3, 2012 -- Google Wallet has been chosen as a 2012 Paybefore Awards Best in Category winner in the Best Virtual, Digital or Mobile Prepaid Application and Most Innovative Prepaid Program categories.

Paybefore Awards, now in its sixth year, is the most prestigious recognition of excellence in the worldwide prepaid and stored value card industry. The awards are presented annually by Paybefore, whose publications are the leading source of industry information for the global prepaid community.

“As one of the technology providers enabling the Google Wallet, we are proud that Google Wallet received two Best in Category wins,” said Dom Morea, SVP and division manager, Advanced Solutions and Innovation, First Data. “This recognition is not only a great achievement for Google Wallet and all the partners, but for merchants, financial institutions and their customers who understand the value and convenience of mobile payments.”

Google Wallet, nominated by First Data, Google and MasterCard, was selected by a panel of five industry experts who served as judges for this year’s competition, which included entries from around the world.

“Paybefore Awards was created to honor the companies and individuals that are keeping prepaid on the cutting edge of payments,” said Loraine DeBonis, Paybefore editor-in-chief and chair of the judging panel. “Our industry continues to break new ground and expand the reach of electronic payments because of companies like Google, MasterCard and First Data, who make innovation and execution a priority. We are proud to recognize their contributions to advancing the prepaid industry.”

Launched in September 2011 by Google, Sprint, First Data, Citi and MasterCard, Google Wallet is an application that turns your phone into your wallet. It stores virtual versions of your exist¬ing credit and debit cards, along with your coupons, loyalty cards and gift cards. Google Wallet can be used to tap and pay at 150,000 merchants nationwide via MasterCard’s PayPass network.

“At MasterCard, we’re constantly looking for ways to help people make secure and convenient purchases when and how they want,” said Mung Ki Woo, group executive, Mobile at MasterCard. “By working with our partners on Google Wallet, we’ve been able to pair our PayPass technology with the mobile phone to help simplify people’s lives and give them a compelling new way to shop, pay and save.”

About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com , is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the conversation on The Heart of Commerce Blog and subscribe for the latest news.

About Paybefore

Paybefore is the leading information provider to prepaid and stored value industry professionals, offering the latest news, commentary and analysis. Paybefore’s family of industry publications include: Paybefore.com™, a searchable online news and information portal; Paybefore News™, daily news briefs delivered electronically; Paybefore News International™, a weekly compilation of prepaid news and events from outside the United States; Paybefore Mobile™, the hottest news in mobile payments; Paybefore Update™, an e-newsletter delivered 20 times a year; Paybefore Legal™, a downloadable e-newsletter covering the legislative, regulatory and judicial developments in prepaid, as well as feature articles by leading attorneys in the field; Paybefore Magazine™, a biannual print publication featuring in-depth articles on the opportunities, challenges and trends in the global prepaid and stored value industry; and the only industry directory, Paybefore Buyer’s Guide™, available online and in print. Visit us at www.paybefore.com .

About First Data

Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction.

The Green Sheet Inc. is now a proud affiliate of Bankcard Life, a premier community that provides industry-leading training and resources for payment professionals. Click here for more information: bankcardlife.com?orid=33533&opid=1 .

Source: Company press release.