Wednesday, October 29, 2008

DebitFacts.org Launches Today

DebitFacts.org Provides Answers to Debit Card Users

HOUSTON - (Business Wire) DebitFacts.org, a new Web site that provides timely and accurate information about using debit cards, launched today, offering consumers practical details about debit’s role as a convenient payment method and valuable financial planning tool. The site addresses myths and misconceptions surrounding debit cards by offering fact-based information consumers need to know when using debit, as well as advice on making debit part of their personal money management strategy.

The site (www.debitfacts.org), sponsored by the PULSE® ATM/debit network, provides recommendations to help protect consumers’ personal finances when using debit cards, including tips for fraud and identity theft prevention.

“The goal of this site is to raise awareness about debit card use and present consumers with reliable and balanced information about using debit for everyday purchases and as a means of managing their personal finances,” said Cindy Ballard, PULSE executive vice president. “DebitFacts.org talks to consumers in easy-to-understand terms. The site gets to the heart of how debit cards are one of the valuable tools in a consumer’s financial planning portfolio.”

DebitFacts.org also addresses issues of concern to debit cardholders, such as the risk of falling victim to card fraud.

“Debit card networks, financial institutions that issue debit cards, ATM owners and merchants that accept cards at their points of sale are constantly making improvements to ensure both the security of card usage and the ability to readily and efficiently rectify any issues that arise,” said Bruce Cundiff, director of payments research and consulting with Javelin Strategy & Research and author of DebitFacts.org’s initial expert commentary article.

“Despite reports to the contrary, fraud rates for debit cards remain relatively low,” Cundiff added.

In the coming months, the site will feature articles from renowned financial planning experts, offering budgeting advice and personal finance recommendations.  “With today’s economy, most Americans are wondering how to start saving,” said Judy Lawrence, personal finance expert and author of The Money Kit and other money management works. “By contributing to this site, I hope to help people realize that saving can be very manageable, once you commit to starting the process and then learn how. Debit cards can be part of this saving process if consumers know how to make the most of their unique features.”

Current site content includes a host of useful information, such as:
  • A video about the differences between PIN- and signature-authorized transactions
  • How to protect your personal identification number (PIN) from fraud
  • Understanding debit card liability
  • The benefits of debit cards as a financial planning tool
DebitFacts.org will be updated regularly to include new expert articles, as well as additional videos about the importance of using debit cards wisely.

About PULSE

PULSE is one of the nation’s leading ATM/debit networks, currently serving more than 4,500 banks, credit unions and savings institutions across the country. PULSE is owned by Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS). The network links cardholders with more than 265,000 ATMs, as well as POS terminals at retail locations nationwide. The company is also a valued resource for industry research related to electronic payments and is committed to providing its participants with education on evolving products, services and trends in the payments industry. For more information, visit www.pulse-eft.com.

PULSE
Anne Rhodes, 832-214-0234
arhodes@pulsenetwork.com
or
GolinHarris
Rebekah Morgan, 972-341-2509
rmorgan@golinharris.com

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