Credit Union to Provide Members with Direct Charge-free Access to
Australia's Largest ATM Network
SYDNEY, April 22, 2009 - First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services and owner of the Cashcard Network, Australia’s largest independent ATM network, today announced that Maritime, Mining and Power Credit Union (MMPCU) has signed a one-way card acceptance agreement with Cashcard, allowing cardholders to use Cashcard branded ATMs direct charge-free . Direct charging for ATMs commenced on March 3, 2009.
In addition, the RBA recently announced an ATM access regime that allows financial institutions to sign a one-way card access agreement with an ATM provider, and to join an ATM sub-network. By entering into an agreement with Cashcard, MMPCU’s 22,000 members will benefit from direct charge-free access to their funds at all Cashcard branded ATMs.
“We are extremely pleased that this agreement will enable MMPCU’s customers to have direct charge-free access to the biggest network of ATMs in the country,” said, John Tait, senior vice president of sales and marketing, First Data, Australia and New Zealand. ”First Data has invested considerably in the last 12 months to deploy new ATMs and innovative technology to the market, ensuring that we provide a reliable and convenient ATM service for consumers to access their funds.”
“Our members are spread across Australia, in cities and rural towns, and by extending our direct charge-free network we give them the opportunity to avoid these fees wherever possible,” said, Mark Genovese, chief executive officer of MMPCU. “This agreement allows us to complement our existing access to the RediATM network with access to Cashcard ATMs, and provide comprehensive coverage in regional and rural communities with a larger number of direct charge-free ATMs than any other financial institution in the country.”
The Cashcard branded ATM network comprises close to 5,500 ATMs across Australia.
About First Data
First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses to buy goods and services using virtually any form of electronic payment. Whether the choice of payment is a gift card, a credit or debit card or a check, First Data securely processes the transaction and harnesses the power of the data to deliver intelligence and insight for millions of merchant locations and thousands of card issuers in 36 countries.
Media Contacts
Sarah Hughes, First Data
+61 (0) 402 042 903
Ian Pope, Hill & Knowlton
+61 (0) 416 826 037
