News

Ukash partners with QIWI Brazil to sell online vouchers at card vending kiosks

June 11, 2014

Ukash, a London.-based provider of cash-based online payments, has formed a partnership with QIWI Brazil, part of the QIWI Group, which operates payment services in 20 countries. The two companies, which have existing partnerships in Russia and Romania, hope to benefit from the growth of online shopping in Brazil.

Ukash allows shoppers to make online payments without the need for a bank account or credit card. Consumers purchase vouchers containing 19-digit Ukash codes with cash in retail outlets such as convenience stores and gas stations as well as at kiosks. These vouchers can then be used for direct payment on any website that accept Ukash transactions worldwide, or loaded onto prepaid cards and e-wallets.

QIWI Brazil’s payments network uses POS terminals and card vending machines to provide a range of consumer services such as cash processing and electronic payments via personal bank accounts, mobile phone accounts and social network currencies. The partnership with Ukash adds access to Ukash’s online cash payments to QIWI Brazil’s existing services.

Under the agreement, Ukash voucher codes will be available from 400 QIWI POS terminals across Brazil as well as at Qiwi Brazil’s prepaid card vending machines.

QIWI Brazil has terminals in convenience stores, gas stations and other small retailers across the country. Consumers can exchange bank notes and coins for Ukash codes at these terminals. The partnership with QIWI Brazil will bring the total number of retail outlets where Ukash vouchers can be bought in Brazil to 4,500.

“This partnership further strengthens our global network, establishing Ukash as a flexible payment provider in Brazil and meeting the growing demand for online shopping in the region” Miranda McLean, Ukash’s marketing director, said in a statement. “QIWI’s extensive network of terminals means we can offer Brazilian shoppers the freedom and convenience of safe online cash payments with Ukash.”

In March 2014, Ukash became available in Romania via QIWI Romania’s network of 1,000 terminals.

“Ukash has a strong global presence, making it a key partner for QIWI, as we continue to expand worldwide,” Sergio Polydoro, QIWI Brazil’s commercial director, said in a statement. “We’re seeing a growth in online shopping in Brazil and Ukash has a strong reputation with consumers, due to brand partnerships with MasterCard and MoneyGram.”