Global Cash Card Partners with MasterCard Worldwide to Offer GEM Prepaid Payroll Program for Payroll Professionals

New program provides a more convenient and cost-effective means for payroll distribution, as well as education and membership benefits through the American Payroll Association

Irvine, CA (Vocus) June 30, 2010

Global Cash Card, a leader in customized paycard solutions, and MasterCard Worldwide today announced the introduction of the GEM Program, an exclusive prepaid payroll card program for new Global Cash Card clients that offers educational benefits through the American Payroll Association (APA).

The program facilitates payments to employees as payroll funds are automatically loaded onto a reloadable Prepaid MasterCard card issued by First-Citizens Bank & Trust. The prepaid MasterCard cards can be used anywhere Debit MasterCard is accepted.

The GEM Program provides up to four complimentary one–year APA memberships for current non-members and/or renewals of membership, as well as up to four $500 MasterCard prepaid Global Cash Card gift cards for those payroll professionals who contract with Global Cash Card to implement a prepaid payroll card program for their organization. MasterCard prepaid Global Cash Card gift cards are provided for exclusive use on the APA’s educational programs, including classes, e-learning, Webinars and conferences, among others.

“As a direct processor, Global Cash Card offers unmatched, fully customized state-of-the-art technology and in-house customer service to improve payroll processing for organizations of all sizes," said Joseph F Purcell, President and CEO, Global Cash Card. “The GEM Program is a unique offering designed to encourage ongoing education for payroll professionals, and to support the work of the APA. We’re excited to be working with MasterCard to offer complimentary memberships and educational assistance to APA members, and to raise awareness of the benefits of prepaid payroll cards over cash and check.”

Prepaid payroll cards are an easy and cost-effective alternative to paper check payroll distribution. For employers, prepaid payroll cards can save time and money by streamlining the payment process. For employees, prepaid cards offer a simple and secure way to make purchases, pay bills and access funds at ATMs, thereby improving the overall payday experience. For employees without bank accounts, prepaid cards can also make it easier to manage their finances than with cash or check.

“As a leader in prepaid, MasterCard offers flexible, convenient and easy-to-use prepaid payroll solutions. Well-respected and innovative organizations, like Global Cash Card and the APA, consistently choose MasterCard as their prepaid development and implementation partner,” said Laura Kelly, senior vice president, Global Prepaid & Debit Product Solutions, MasterCard Worldwide. “The GEM Program provides added benefits and value to corporations and payroll professionals, and demonstrates MasterCard’s commitment to improving payroll for all parties involved. We’re proud to support the APA through this exclusive program.”

To qualify for the GEM program, organizations must meet specific eligibility requirements. Organizations must have a minimum of 50 full-time employees, must sign an agreement with Global Cash Card and must implement a Global Cash Card prepaid paycard program. Current Global Cash Card clients are not eligible. For more information, visit http://www.globalcashcard.com/GEM.

The Global Cash Card™ Debit MasterCard® Card is issued by First–Citizens Bank & Trust. MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

About Global Cash Card
Global Cash Card™ is THE proven specialist in customized paycard solutions that are simple to implement and easy to use. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of World Processing, Ltd, a leader in electronic financial transaction technology. Global Cash Card is a direct processor that offers Debit MasterCard cards, Visa Prepaid cards and PIN-based ATM cards. The company develops and owns the proprietary software, which enables the products and services it offers. The platform provides payroll cards, travel, gift, FSA, HSA, and many other types of applications. Global Cash Card also offers branded and customized programs. Global Cash Card's cutting edge technology continues to improve, offering more value and greater flexibility to meet the particular requirements of its customers. For more information visit http://www.globalcashcard.com or call (888) 220-4477 ext. 202.

About MasterCard Worldwide
MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 22 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to http://www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter: @mastercardnews.

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