Directo Partners With FEWA To Provide Financial Services To Underserved Workers

Atlanta, Georgia, (PRWEB) February 6, 2006

The Federation of Employers and Workers of America (FEWA), a non-profit association representing labor intensive service industries, has partnered with Atlanta-based Directo, Inc. to provide a selection of financial instruments to its worker members.

FEWA members who employ workers with H2B visas are particularly interested in Directo’s offering, which would eliminate high payroll distribution costs, while providing a much-needed benefit for the employees. Employees who enter the U.S. legally with H2B visas typically do not have a U.S. based bank account. Most have limited English language skills, making payroll check cashing and money transfers an expensive, frustrating and potentially dangerous experience.

“Our employer members work very hard to follow the rules and bring workers to the U.S. legally” said FEWA President Scott Evans. “They want to insure that their workers are safe and are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous cash cashing houses or wire transfer providers. Directo is one of the few companies FEWA has found willing to provide financial services at a price point average Americans pay.”

“Our whole mission is to help the unbanked. For FEWA’s workers in particular, Directo will be a great help, offering a safe, convenient, low-cost banking solution. Workers need not worry about being robbed or stashing their cash away until they return to their home country,” said Bob Howe, President and CEO of Directo.

Directo’s paycard services provide the benefits of direct deposit to the millions of Americans who do not have bank accounts. Typically, Directo‘s FDIC-insured bank accounts are opened at the workplace. The accounts belong to the individual, not the company, and provide added security as well as portability. The account can be used for direct deposits from multiple employers, as well as tax refunds and government benefits. The worker’s funds are accessed at the ATM here in the U.S. or abroad, with a Directocash card, a PIN-based card. These cards are used by hundreds of businesses to deliver payroll to their employees. The card belongs to the employee and is totally portable.

About Directo, Inc.

Directo is the service leader in providing pay cards to America’s unbanked consumers, providing a safe, economical way for unbanked consumers to get their pay via FDIC-insured accounts while allowing them access to direct deposit participation, no check-cashing fees and year-round, 24-hour a day access to money via the ATM network and at retail POS terminals. Serving the unbanked is Directo's entire focus. The company partners with banks, payroll companies and associations that seek to widen their offering to encapsulate a new customer base. Employers benefit from reduced payroll costs and increased employee retention. Customer segments served include construction services, staffing, agriculture, hospitality, retail, food services and other service industries. For more information, visit http://www.directo.net, or the direct-to-consumer site, http://www.directocard.com.

About FEWA

The Federation of Employers and Workers of America is a non-profit association created to assist employers and workers in service industries such as landscaping, construction and hospitality. FEWA is not a law firm and does not represent individuals or companies with respect to legal matters. However, FEWA does have staff attorneys who provide legal information, advice and representation to FEWA members relating to the H2B Program and Immigration matters. For more information visit http://www.h2b-FEWA.org.

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