First Data and PLUS Finanzservice Introduce Instant Issuing Program
Enables in-store card issuance for immediate use at participating merchants

Frankfurt, 6 November 2008 

In cooperation with PLUS Finanzservice, First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services, has launched the new Instant Issuing program in Germany that enables consumers to apply for a credit card at a merchant location and receive the card immediately.

The Instant Issuing application process is quick and easy. Consumers use self-service terminals to enter their application data, their credit is assessed immediately and a credit limit is assigned to each card. Cards are then embossed and presented to consumers on site.

Four electronics retailers will initially offer this program to their customers, and there are plans to extend the rollout to 80 hypermarket merchant locations in 2009. Participating merchants will be able to implement the program quickly – generally within three months. The cards can be co-branded with the merchant, incorporating their look and feel in the card design, offering a new vehicle for their marketing efforts.

“This new service to Germany allows cards to be embossed, issued and used for payment directly at the point of sale,” said PLUS Finanzservice’s chief executive officer, Claus Heide. “With this development, we’re pleased to be able to offer state-of-the-art card technology that allows retailers to provide a convenient payment method and promote customer loyalty.”

Peter Vesco, managing director of First Data in Germany said, “We are proud to bring this innovative and attractive consumer finance solution to market with PLUS Finanzservice. We believe merchants and consumers will both benefit from the convenience of the Instant Issuing program.”

About PLUS Finanzservice
PLUS Finanzservice GmbH is a subsidiary of Swedish furniture giant, IKEA, and Swedish finance group, IKANO. As a partner of the retailing and mail order industries, the Wiesbaden based company offers made to measure solutions for customer cards, consumer credits and credit cards.

About First Data
First Data is a global technology leader in information commerce. The company processes transaction data of all kinds, harnesses the power of that data and delivers innovations in secure infrastructure, intelligence and insight for its customers. With operations in 37 countries, First Data serves more than 5.4 million merchant locations and more than 2,000 card issuers and their customers. It powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company’s portfolio of services and solutions includes merchant transaction processing services; credit, debit, private-label, gift, payroll and other prepaid card offerings; fraud protection and authentication solutions; electronic check acceptance services through TeleCheck; as well as Internet commerce and mobile payment solutions. The company’s STAR Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at 2.1 million ATM and retail locations.  Through First Data’s centers of excellence, such as security, analytics, customer loyalty and mobile payments, it offers data-driven commerce solutions for customers around the globe. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com.

Media Contacts
First Data
Claudia Klein
+ 49 (0) 69 7933-1686 
claudia.klein@firstdata.de  

PLUS Finanzservice GmbH
Kai Lau 
+ 49 (0) 6122 999-940
kai.lau@plusfinanzservice.de