Toronto, ON - Feb 23, 2015 - Visa Canada, DCR Strategies Inc., and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) today announced a new AMC reloadable prepaid product for participating bands across Canada that will streamline payment distribution using direct deposit capabilities and provide band members with more convenient and affordable access to funds.
An optional mobile wallet will also be made available with the AMC Financial prepaid card that will allow band members the convenience of transferring funds from one family member to another and will provide money management capabilities as users can view their detailed transaction history on the app. A loyalty component will also be part of the overall product within participating First Nation communities.
"We're pleased to partner with DCR Strategies to bring a new payment system to our First Nation communities that will empower our citizens to securely receive payments from employment and other sources, and have immediate access to their resources and the e-commerce marketplace that so many Canadians take for granted," said Grand Chief Derek Nepinak, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. "The card's built-in loyalty will also help support our local economy and moving from cheques to electronic payments will help lower band operating costs."
"We developed a unique partnership with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to understand the primary needs of the bands when developing the AMC prepaid card and mobile app. We're proud that the resulting payment solution will improve operational efficiencies, support local businesses, and provide a money management tool," said Diana Fletcher, President of DCR Strategies Inc.
The prepaid cards with built-in loyalty will be open loop, reloadable cards that can be used for deposits, ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, bill payments, and online shopping. Numerous bands have signed on to offer the AMC prepaid cards to their members with more bands expected to join. The AMC reloadable prepaid card is issued by Home Trust Company.
As a leader in prepaid solutions, we are pleased that participating bands in the First Nations communities will have access to a secure Visa prepaid solution that will fit their needs and enable them to confidently manage deposits, everyday spending, and bill payments," said Rob Nicholson, Head of Commercial and Prepaid Product, Visa Canada.
Honoured wherever Visa is accepted, the AMC prepaid card will offer the security of Zero Liability, available on all Visa products, where cardholders are not liable for unauthorized use if their card is lost, stolen or if the card number is used fraudulently. Complete details about Visa's Zero Liability policy are available at www.visa.ca.