PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paybefore, the premier provider of information to the network branded prepaid card industry, has recognized MasterCard-branded prepaid programs as top programs in the Paybefore Award categories. The Paybefore Awards are the most prestigious recognition of excellence in the prepaid card segment, acknowledging best-in-class prepaid programs from around the world. This recognition of numerous MasterCard programs demonstrates MasterCard’s leadership in prepaid as a strategic global partner.



“We would like to congratulate all of our partners on their achievement and recognition. We are honored to be included in this acknowledgement for our contribution to the prepaid programs and grateful to our partners for their vision, trust and collaboration in implementing these winning programs,” said Laura Kelly, Senior Vice President of Global Prepaid & Healthcare Solutions at MasterCard Worldwide. “The breadth of products recognized points to the increasing diversification of prepaid and its rapid global growth. This is an exciting time for the prepaid industry and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this global momentum.”



MasterCard partners that received awards for their achievement include:

• The Facecard MasterCard Teen Card
  
  edó Interactive, Meta Payment Systems

• H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard


• The Escape Card
  
  E.Z. Pay/Phones 4U

• Wal-Mart Associate Electronic Pay Program
  
  Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., First Data Corp.

• Just Energy Prepaid TruCa$h MasterCard
  
  DCR Strategies Inc., TruCa$h

• Missouri Access MasterCard
  
  Central Bank

• The Facecard Prepaid MasterCard Card Program
  
  edó Interactive, Meta Payment Systems

• Contactless AlterKart Program
  
  Bank Zachodni WBK S.A.

• Bonus Alimentacion/Provis Alimentacion
  
  NovoPayment, Inc.
  
  Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios, C.A. (TEBCA)

• Payoneer Prepaid MasterCard
  
  Payoneer, Meta Payment Systems

• Cash Passport
  
  Travelex

• Everyday Prepaid: Hispanic Marketing and Consumer Education Campaign
  
  MasterCard

• The PayPal Merchant Debit Card
  
  PayPal, Inc.

• TransCard and UPMC/Pitt Research Study
  
  TransCard, LLC

• Money Centers
  
  NovoPayment, Inc.

• AccountNow’s “Finally Credit Free” Website
  
  AccountNow, Inc., Meta Payment Systems

• Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card
  
  Commonwealth Bank

Research commissioned by MasterCard and conducted by Boston Consulting Group and PSE Consulting estimates global prepaid card spend to reach $680 billion by 2015. Recognizing this opportunity, MasterCard is spurring innovation across industries by delivering prepaid solutions that best meet the needs of today’s marketplace. From payroll cards, to consumer reloadable cards, to government benefits programs, prepaid is one of the fastest-growing payment categories for MasterCard and is improving the distribution and flow of funds around the world.

About MasterCard Prepaid Programs & Solutions

Since introducing its first prepaid card in mid 1990s, MasterCard has quickly become a leading prepaid payment card brand. Today, MasterCard combines a set of global prepaid product solutions, processing and advisory services that is unique in the industry, making it a strong business partner for companies looking to successfully participate in the prepaid market. MasterCard prepaid card solutions are being used today to enable global financial inclusion and provide consumers an additional payment choice; deliver cost savings and efficiencies to business and public sector agencies; enhance channels for merchant profitability; and complement existing retail bank strategies by delivering innovation on emerging payments opportunities.

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link among financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes over 22 billion transactions each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial-institution customers and merchants. Powered by the MasterCard Worldwide Network and through its family of brands, including MasterCard®, Maestro® and Cirrus®, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercard.com. Follow us on Twitter: @mastercardnews.

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