first direct selects Mastercard to boost debit card portfolio

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Mobile banking solutions provider first direct has selected Mastercard today as its partner for its debit card portfolio. The collaboration will enable first direct to provide its customers with cards from the end of this year, as a part of its multi-year agreement. The company states that the agreement will also facilitate the provision of digital benefits for first direct customers, including card controls and functionality, as well as exclusive offers, and a new rewards/loyalty program.

Kelly Devine, UK and Ireland Division President, Mastercard said, “We are excited to be working with first direct to bring new and customer-centric functionality to their 1.6 million debit cards. For us, this partnership is further proof that Mastercard’s debit card solutions offer all the flexibility, security and convenience banks and their cardholders require in today’s digital age, and we welcome first direct to the expanding list of innovative banks choosing to issue debit Mastercard in the UK.”

Debit Mastercard is currently being used by 200 million customers across Europe. Each Debit Mastercard supports Purchase with Cashback and can be used for cash withdrawals and balance enquiries at ATMs. The cards are backed by Zero Liability protection which means that customers will not be held responsible if someone makes unauthorised purchases with their cards.

A spokesperson for first direct, said, “first direct has selected Mastercard as its partner for its Debit card portfolio. We’re really excited by the opportunities and services this will provide to our 1st Account customers. We’ll be letting customers know more about the benefits closer to the time.”