News

Debit cards let Latinos access money at kiosks worldwide

March 2, 2004

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- eViva Group Inc. will distribute up to 10 million debit cards to U.S. Latinos in the next 18 months.

Under special arrangement with Prizm Technology, the eViva Card will accept cash deposits in thousands of locations when customers scan the card and deposit bills into Top-Up machines or Coinstar Center kiosks in select major super markets, according to a news release.

These "load" sites include neighborhood merchants/retailers, community banks and multiple locations in communities with a high Hispanic population. Customers can withdraw money immediately, anywhere in the world from a Visa Plus or Star Network ATM.

"This card is for the Hispanic community's unique needs. No bank account or forms are required to obtain the card. It is the fastest and safest way to move money between parties," said eViva Group CEO Robert Acosta in the release. "It is an ATM card to withdraw cash from ATM machines worldwide. It honors purchases at retailers accepting pin-driven transactions."

The debit card is also a long-distance, international phone card. It allows high maximum cash balances without an ATM daily withdrawal limit.

Said Acosta, "The eViva card is advertiser driven. From the co-brand on the card to the exterior of the kiosk to the 15-second promotional spots seen on the screen between transactions, advertisers receive visibility all the way." He said participating advertisers and merchant-retailers also share in the revenue stream.