U.S. Bankcards Services, Inc. (USBSI) Prepares U.S. Merchants for Chinese Tourist Boom with Partnership with China UnionPay

City of Industry, CA (Vocus) July 5, 2010

China has one of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world today. This booming economic giant now has an increasing number of people with disposable income who are eager to purchase goods and services internationally. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the number of Chinese travelers for the purposes of leisure, holidays, and vacations have increased 4% between 2007 and 2008, while other purposes (professional, business, visiting relatives) have all decreased. In addition, each tourist from China spent an average of $6,000 USD per visit in 2006.* U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. is now formally cooperating with China UnionPay in the United States, and offers its merchants the option of accepting China UnionPay debit/credit cards. Join U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. now to take advantage of the growing Chinese tourist market, forecasted to reach 579,000 Chinese travelers to the U.S. by 2011, and 100 million travelers world-wide by 2020.

According to an MSNBC, increased disposable income, averaging $4,500 a year in major Chinese cities, has made travel a luxury, often viewed as a status symbol. Due to this rise in disposable income, American cities and businesses are gearing up to profit from this imminent tourist boom. Accepting CUP debit/credit cards is a great opportunity to increase revenue, as most Chinese tourists carry CUP cards instead of a considerable amount of cash. China UnionPay is the only association of China’s bankcard industry established with the approval of the People’s Bank of China. Headquartered in Shanghai and founded in March 2002, CUP has already issued more than 2 billion debit/credit cards**

U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. can help merchants accept CUP cards with minimal transaction fee and set-up costs. Transactions are processed securely and electronically at the point-of-sale and the amount is conveniently and directly deducted from the cardholder’s account and then deposited into the merchant account. In addition, there is no pre-set limit to the amount a cardholder can spend, other than what is available in his/her account. For a limited time, receive a free credit card terminal and start accepting CUP cards now! Just call U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc.’s Customer Service at 888-888-8USA and ask about CUP.

About U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. (USBSI)

U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. is a leading nationwide Elavon Payment Partner and registered MSP/ISO of U.S. Bank Minneapolis, MN. USBSI has competitive rates and exceptional customer service that is unparalleled in the transaction processing industry. U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. maintains a 24-7 and multilingual customer service and its technical support is focused on moving merchantsbusinesses forward, one swipe at a time. Press release produced by Cybertegic, Inc., an Internet marketing services agency that specializes in search engine optimization (SEO).

Description:
U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. (USBSI) is formally cooperating with China UnionPay (CUP) in the U.S. Founded in March 2002, China UnionPay is the sole domestic bankcard organization in China, operating under the approval of the People’s Bank of China. The partnership allows U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. merchants the option of accepting CUP debit/credit cards. Join U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc. now to take advantage of the booming Chinese tourist market, forecasted to reach 579,000 Chinese travelers to the U.S. by 2011.

Source: * China UnionPay official website: http://www.chinaunionpay.com
** U.S. Department of Commerce

Barclays Launches Student Package for 2011

August 07, 2011

Barclays, awarded Best Student Account Provider in the Consumer Moneyfacts Awards 2011, launched its new student package for 2011 on Monday 11 July. Barclays Student Additions includes an interest-free overdraft facility of up to &163;2000, a free SMS alerts service to help students keep on top of their finances, and an exclusive mobile phone deal with Phones 4u giving &163;75 cashback on any monthly phone contract on top of any other promotion offered by the retailer.

Students opening a Barclays Student Additions account can apply for an interest-free overdraft of up to &163;2,000 for the duration of their time at university, regardless of their year of study, and a further &163;1000 at a rate of 8.9 per cent.

With research showing that over two thirds of students opt for online or mobile banking over branch and telephone banking, this year’s student offer is focused on mobile communications to help students manage their money closely through their university life.

For the second year running, Barclays has teamed up with Phones 4u to offer customers a range of exclusive mobile phone and tablet deals. Students opening or already holding a Barclays Student Additions account will be able to choose any monthly phone or monthly tablet deal (on any tariff or network) and get &163;75 cashback automatically on top of any other Phones4U offer, or &163;5 cashback on any Pay as You Go phone. They will also save 25 per cent on any accessories purchased with the retailer up until 30 June 2012. Students will be able to access the offer by calling 0800 294 6063 or through phones4u.co.uk/barclaysstudents.

To help students keep a close eye on their finances, the Barclays Student Additions account provides a free SMS service including near overdraft limit notifications and alerts for large debits and credits. Barclays also offers all current account customers free Kaspersky Internet and Mobile security technology to protect customersphones and computers.

Barclays mobile phone banking service (Barclays.mobi) allows customers to view balances, mini-statements, transfer funds between Barclays accounts and send payments to a third party. There are also useful tools such as finding the nearest branch or ATM and a currency conversion calculator.

Dan Wass, Current Accounts Director at Barclays, said "Students are now having to grapple with increased tuition fees as well as a tough economic environment so finances are more likely than ever to be their top priority. It is vital that students take control of their money throughout their university life and give themselves the best possible start. We have designed our student account with this in mind, providing a very competitive interest-free overdraft, free SMS text alerts and cashback on any phone from Phones 4u a combination that will help to boost their bank balance and keep track of their spending.

Other services for students include:

10 per cent discount on Barclays Travel Insurance and Barclays Student Possessions Insurance.

Ongoing access to a dedicated student telephony team who will be able to answer queries on student banking including managing their overdraft.

Online banking.

A branch within 1.5 miles of 94 per cent of the UK's top universities.

Contactless debit card contactless technology enables the card to make transactions of &163;15 or less by holding it up to a special reader, without the need to enter a PIN or insert the card into a terminal. The majority of student debit card transactions amount to &163;10 or less.

Barclays continues to offer a Graduate Additions bank account which has a range of benefits and features. For just &163;7 a month, graduates can apply for an interest-free overdraft of up to &163;3000 in the first year after graduation, alongside mobile phone insurance, RAC breakdown cover and cardholder protection.

For further information students can go to barclays.co.uk/students or visit any Barclays branch to open the Student Additions account. For further information, graduates can go to barclays.co.uk/graduates.

Barclays is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail banking, ISAs, credit cards, savings accounts, corporate and investment banking and wealth management with an extensive international presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia. With over 300 years of history and expertise in banking, Barclays operates in over 50 countries and employs nearly 147,000 people. Barclays moves, lends, invests and protects money for 48 million customers and clients worldwide.

For further information about Barclays, please visit our website barclays.com.

On the Road Again: Greater Access to Information Is Vital When Traveling

February 24, 2005

Protecting health while traveling has never been easier than it is in the digital age. Many health management services enhance the safety and security of consumers sensitive information even when traveling and away from their vital information.

The following is a checklist provided by LIFEcardServices.com (a leader in online health management solutions - http://www.LIFEcardServices.com) for travelers to establish a safety and security network of protection when they are on the road.

Travelers&194;’ Medical Needs: Travelers do not always plan for unexpected medical situations. Keeping a list of prescription medications, current medical conditions and personal contacts in a clear and concise manner can mean the difference between life and death when seconds count.

Home Management: Even expert travelers cannot always control what happens to their properties back home. Establishing a list of important contacts for a property and appointing someone to watch over it are essential to remedy unfortunate situations like a broken window. Lessening the worry associated with traveling always makes for a more enjoyable vacation.

Sensitive Information: Travelers never plan to lose their credit cards or to forget important account numbers, passwords or security codes, but it does happen. Having ready access to sensitive information can make all the difference when travelers need their lives back in order.

A Secure Data Solution for Travelers: One solution to satisfy all of these traveler needs is LIFEcardServices.com &194;– an online service that allows travelers to store vital health, home and sensitive information. The secure LIFEcard Services database enables members to enter, store and retrieve important data when they need it most.

The individual LIFEcard Services (http://www.LIFEcardServices.com) can be found at the following websites:

http://www.LIFECardHealth.com, http://www.LIFEcardHome.com and

http://www.LIFEcardSecure.com.

About LIFEcard Services

LIFEcard Services is a program offered by EMERgency 24 Inc., a 37-year-old leader in the security and technology industry. LIFEcard Services enable members to establish a "personal security" network to look out for them and their properties and possessions when traveling. Learn more by visiting http://LIFEcardServices.com or calling toll-free (866) 221-1550.

Give Them What They Really Want This Year: A Smaller Mortgage

Thousand Oaks, CA (Vocus) November 27, 2007

Countrywide Bank, FSB, the third largest federal savings bank in the U.S.&185; and a member of the Countrywide (NYSE:CFC) family of companies, today revealed the results of a survey of more than 2,000 of its customers who have a Countrywide Rewards&8480; Visa&174; Card. According to the survey, 71 percent of respondents said they have saved money on their mortgage, or plan to use the principal reduction option, by using the card&39;s distinctive rewards feature.

"The results of this survey show that the majority of cardmembers are enjoying the benefits of the mortgage rewards feature&178; and they are well on their way to reducing their mortgage principal balance," said Countrywide Bank Senior Vice President Ted Bowers. "As we approach the holiday season, we hope our cardmembers consider their mortgage rewards as a unique gift alternative for a family member or friend who also has a Countrywide mortgage."

Launched in February 2007 with First USA&179;, the innovative Countrywide Rewards&8480; credit card enables cardmembers to earn one point for every dollar spent on purchases and interest, with no point cap. Once cardmembers earn 2,500 points they can redeem them for a $50 payment applicable to any outstanding Countrywide mortgage principal balance, not just their own Countrywide mortgage.

"Countrywide Bank is known as a bank for serious savers who appreciate the fact that our efficient business model allows their money to work harder for them," said Countrywide Bank Managing Director Michael Feldman. "I think the results of this survey indicate that our cardmembers are a lot like our deposit customers, in that they appreciate value and are smart about how they manage their finances. And the fact that we have rates among the highest in the nation on the 3-month, 6-month and 12-month CD, shows that we are dedicated to helping people save more of their hard earned money," said Feldman.

Additional key findings that emerged from the survey include:

Customers using the principal reduction reward feature are significantly more satisfied with the card than those using the other reward features available.

Nearly half of Countrywide Rewards&8480; Visa&174; cardmembers who have a Countrywide mortgage indicated they are more likely to keep Countrywide as a mortgage provider because of the card.

More than one-third of customers closed out a previously held credit card after receiving the card.

Consumers may apply for the Countrywide Rewards&8480; Visa&174; card by coming to one of more than 165 Financial Centers across the U.S., by calling 800-339-8216 or by visiting http://www.countrywidebank.com .

Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Countrywide, between September 13 and 24, 2007 among 2,061 adults (aged 18 years and older).

About Countrywide Bank
Countrywide Bank, FSB, is a member of the Countrywide Financial Corporation (NYSE: CFC) family of companies. Countrywide Bank offers consumers highly competitive rates on certificates of deposit and money market accounts and, through its family of companies, also offers investment* and insurance products. Customers can review banking products and services, check rates on deposits, and apply for new accounts by phone, online, or at one of more than 165 financial centers located throughout the country. In addition, the company offers the same superior rates and unsurpassed personalized service to its business customers through its Premier Business Banking and Commercial Banking Divisions. For more information about Countrywide Bank, visit http://www.countrywidebank.com . Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

*Countrywide Investment Services and Countrywide Insurance Services Products: Not FDIC Insured, Not Guaranteed By Any Bank, Not A Deposit, May Lose Value, Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency

&185; Ranking is based on Second Quarter 2007 as reported by the FDIC.
&178; Cardmembers earn 1 point for each $1 of net purchases and 1 point for each $1 of interest. Cardmembers may receive double rewards when applying earned points to pay down the principal on an outstanding Countrywide mortgage. For every 2,500 points earned, cardmembers may receive a $50 payment to apply to the principal balance of a Countrywide mortgage. Points cannot be earned on balance transfers, cash advances, any checks that are used to access your account, travelers checks, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, or fees of any kind, including fees for products that protect or insure the balances of your account. There is no maximum number of points that a cardmembers can accumulate in the program. See Rewards Program Rules and Regulations, which will be mailed after the account is established.
&179; First USA is the agent banking division of Chase Bank USA, N.A.

Travel Gift Ideas from Magellans

Santa Barbara, CA December 3, 2007

Magellan&39;s 2007 Holiday Catalog is now available with new travel gift ideas designed for easy holiday giving.

Lightweight, stylish and waterproof the Double-Breasted Trench Coat stows in its own compact pouch for easy packing. Made of densely woven, breathable polyester that looks and feels like gabardine, it&39;s seam-sealed to prevent leaks, and the below-knee length provides superior coverage, even in a downpour. The highly organized Tour One Travel Wallet is great for every day use as it is for travel. Interior snap tabs give it a slim silhouette, and a myriad of pockets hold credit cards, dual currency, coins, ID, checkbook and pen. The Secret Neck Pouch is worn under the shirt to provide a secure, easily-accessible stash for currency and travel documents. This money pouch has a zippered pocket for coins and currency, as well as additional compartments. Constructed of cool, durable polyester with a soft, specially treated anti-microbial CoolMax&174; AgIon lining, it wicks away moisture for extra comfort. The Velocity Wheeled Laptop Case is compact enough to roll down airplane aisles, stash in the overhead bin, or fit under the seat. The laptop stays protected in the roomy main compartment, and there are plenty of pockets for accessories, including a front drop pocket for quick-access items, a zip-away side pocket for a water bottle, and custom-designed compartments for documents, memory sticks, DVDs/CDs, cords, and other peripherals.

Since 1989, Magellan&39;s has been the world&39;s most trusted source of travel supplies. Their current catalog is available FREE by calling (800) 962-4943, or by visiting Magellan&39;s on-line at Magellans.com. Magellan&39;s is staffed by trained Travel Gear Specialists, ready to answer questions on everything related to travel. All Magellan&39;s products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Prepaid Game Cards for Poptropica, Virtual World for Kids, Now Available at Best Buy

Boston, MA December 1, 2010

Starting today, popular Poptropica Game Cards are available at participating Best Buy stores around the country. For just $10, the prepaid cards are redeemable for Membership to the site or Credits to use in the Poptropica Store. And, as part of a special Best Buy offer, $10 Game Cards purchased there and redeemed for Membership entitle the user to an additional free month of Poptropica Membership.

"The holidays are upon us and Game Cards make great gifts for Poptropica fans in every family," said Jess M. Brallier, publisher of Poptropica. "As we grow the network of major retail stores where Poptropica Game Cards are sold, we know we will reach even more kids who are looking for a fun, safe and secure place to play online."

Once the prepaid game gift card is activated on Poptropica.com, kids who choose Membership receive exclusive Early Access to new Islands, such as soon-to-be released "Cryptids Island," as well as unlimited use of all costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store. Players who select Credits can instantly redeem them for costumes and Gold Cards in the Poptropica Store. Gold Cards allow kids to customize their Poptropicans with special abilities and effects, such as electrifying their Poptropican, creating a meteor shower, spraying silly stream and much more.

Every month, as many as 10 million kids explore Poptropica&39;s virtual Islands. The players of this virtual world for kids come from more than 100 different countries and have their Web browsers set to more than 70 different languages, ranging from Spanish and Sanskrit to Vietnamese and Croatian.

Currently, there are 15 Poptropica Islands with intricate stories for kids to explore, and many more are planned for release in the future. Kids can get the latest news on upcoming new Islands and other exciting developments in the world of Poptropica straight from the creators on the official blog at http://blog.poptropica.com/.

About Poptropica (http://www.poptropica.com)
Poptropica is a virtual world in which kids explore and play in complete safety. Every month, millions of kids from around the world are entertained and informed by Poptropica&39;s engaging quests, stories and games. Kids create a "Poptropican" character to travel the many Islands of Poptropica and use gaming literacy to enjoy a narrative that is often rooted in factual history. Problem-solving skills are honed as kids discover and solve mysteries unique to each Island.

There are always new areas to explore in this ever-expanding world where kids can collect objects, read digital books and comics, and compete in head-to-head competition. Parents can always trust that their children are playing - and learning - in a safe online environment. Poptropica is published by Family Education Network, a part of Pearson, the education, services and technology company. Pearson&39;s other primary operations include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group.

ChinaStar101.com Helps Executive Travelers Get Down To Business

San Francisco, CA November 22, 2006

ChinaStar101.com, a U.S. based Web site focused exclusively on business travel improvements in China, introduces business executives to the previously "foreign" idea of seamless travel within the country. By targeting the logistics involved in completing a business trip to China, ChinaStar101.com provides its customers with an easy, fast and efficient way to travel, enabling executives to "get down to business" much easier.

At the heart of the Web site is the ability to reserve and pay for services needed in China by credit card -- a rarity in the country. With this system, most services can be confirmed much faster than any conventional method and provides instant convenience to the business traveler. With credit card based room guarantees, airport transfer and city transportation in private cars, a local English speaking customer service staff and free text messaging, ChinaStar101.com ensures worry free business travel in China.

Founders Ying Liu and Michael Chu, both Chinese born Americans and current residents of California, developed ChinaStar101.com after realizing the challenges and inconvenience travelers experienced upon their visits to China. Local know-how and culture familiarity have allowed the partners to establish a tool, which help businesses streamline their productivity abroad.

Currently, ChinaStar101.com is the only Web site offering hotel-apartments in China for business travelers from the U.S., Japan, Europe and other English speaking areas of the world. Savvy executives will appreciate the ease and comfort ChinStar101.com offers with the spacious and luxurious living available through these hotel-apartments. Checking into a local hotel-apartment means guests don&39;t have to carry cash to the front desk and eliminates the double charge often found with credit card charging overseas. Almost all hotel-apartments offer longer-term lease programs for travelers who require extended stays, those who choose to immerse themselves within the Chinese culture or who simply cannot afford the five-star hotels.

Services offered through ChinaStar101.com are catered to entrepreneurs eyeing China as a sight for their business, as well as small and medium sized companies throughout North America interested in forging relationships within the country. ChinaStar101.com&39;s current hotel-apartment coverage spans all the major cities in China, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

ChinaStar101.com offers Western standards at lower prices by supplying travelers with effective solutions for all their communication, translation, transportation and business needs through dramatically discounted rates. The site is also capable of serving individual, group and corporate travelers alike. In addition, ChinaStar101.com features unique communication tools such as free text messaging to Chinese cell phones and unique e-cards.

As China quickly becomes the most traveled-to business destination in the world, business leaders are quickly catching on to ChinaStar101.com&39;s way of seamless, worry free business travel. Please visit http://www.ChinaStar101.com for more information.

For more information please contact,

Annie Neyman

Zapwater Communications, Inc. at (312) 943-0333

annie@zapwater.com