First Data partners PLUS Finanzservice for immediate credit card release

Customers can now receive their credit cards immediately at merchant locations in Germany. First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services, established a collaborative relationship with German PLUS Finanzservice to launch the new Instant Issuing program that enables consumers to apply for a credit card at a merchant location and receive the card at once.

The advantage of the Instant Issuing application is that its process features quick and easy performance. Consumers need to use self-service terminals to enter their personal information and their credit is assessed immediately. A credit limit is assessed to each card. Then cards are embossed and presented to the holders at site.

Initially the program will be offered to the customers through 4 electronic retailers. Then the rollout is expected to extend to 80 more hypermarket locations in 2009. The merchants who participate in the program will be enabled to adopt the program in a fast way which generally means about 3 months. Optionally cards can be co-branded with the merchant, incorporating thus their look and feel in the card design which will contribute to their marketing strategies.