Walmart, MasterCard Worldwide and First Data introduce new payroll service

As it became known, Walmart, MasterCard Worldwide and First Data declared a new, more sustainable payroll program designed to reduce the number of paper paychecks and pay stubs distributed each year to Walmart and Sam's Club associates in the U.S. In order to benefit both associates and the environment, the electronic pay program will include the deployment of the Money Network(TM) MasterCard Paycard(R) and electronic pay stubs, which will cut down on paper consumption and provide associates easier access to their wages. The new electronic pay program will be rolled out to all U.S. associates in September.

Either by direct deposit or through the First Data Money Network MasterCard Paycard program, Walmart associates may receive their pay and may access their wages through the Money Network MasterCard Paycard(R) or Money Network(TM) Checks. The program will provide a more flexible way for associates to get immediate access to their full wages on payday even during natural disasters such as blizzards, hurricanes and floods. Associates will not need to come in on their day off or while on vacation to receive their pay, and they will have the convenience of receiving cash fee-free at any Walmart or Sam's Club register.

As part of First Data's Money Network Payroll Distribution Service, the program will be provided with the processing and reload network. "Walmart is raising the bar for employers everywhere by providing associates who don't have bank accounts with immediate access to funds on payday, without fee or discount, and access to cash at thousands of locations across the country," said Ed Labry, president, Retail and Alliance Services, First Data. "Associates may also write Money Network Checks payable to themselves or use them to pay bills, just like any other check." Associate funds in the Money Network program are FDIC-insured.

Walmart is committed to being supplied 100 % by renewable energy, creating zero waste and selling environmentally-friendly products, as part of its company-wide sustainability goals. The company is moving toward these goals by using sustainable sourcing practices including energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable energy and lifecycle management. These initiatives are making Walmart a more sustainable company and helping create a favorable environment for green job creation.