Ukash partnered Caixa Galicia to enter Spanish market

Ukash has secured distribution through ATM machines in Spain. Ukash has partnered with Caixa Galicia, one of Spain’s largest banks and TelePay as its processing partner, to pilot the roll-out of its e-cash vouchers through 950 ATMs, before expanding this service to other major banks in the country. As a result over two million Caixa Galicia customers and card holders of other banks will be able to purchase Ukash through Caixa Galicia ATM machines across the country.

Spanish consumers who are nervous about entering financial details online when shopping, paying for services and gaming online have the more flexible option of using e-cash instead. In addition to purchasing Ukash vouchers from traditional retail outlets consumers will now be able to do so from Caixa Galicia ATM machines using the bank’s debit and credit cards as well as cards from other banks.

Consumers simply select ‘other operations’ from the ATM menu, where they will be given the option “TelePay Internet Payments – Ukash” to buy a Ukash voucher, enter their required value and authorize with their card pin code. A printed voucher will then be dispensed from the machine with a secure 19-digit code to be used for transactions online.

Ukash’s partnership with Caixa Galicia marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to increase its distribution channels to all banks in Spain and dominate the market. In October 2008 Ukash signed a deal with telecommunications giant Telefónica, to increase its points of purchase from thousands of retail outlets to 70,000 traditional telephone kiosks across Spain. Earlier this year Ukash also introduced online issuance of it vouchers with Telepay through Cuponesprepago.com.

Mark Chirnside, CEO, Ukash said, “The Ukash proposition has been very popular in Spain amongst cash consumers and those who wish to protect their identity when paying for transactions online. Our partnership with Caixa Galicia will significantly increase our points of purchase in Spain and enable us to reach more consumers. Spain is a very important market for Ukash and we are intent on investing in expanding our offering across the country. A successful pilot with Caixa Galicia will provide scope to extend our offer to other major banks in the country.”