UMB is an $8 billion multi-bank holding company headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., providing complete banking and financial-related services to both consumer and business customers in seven states.

George Schmelzel, senior vice president of UMB Card Services, said the new agreement with PULSE will further the bank's growth in a rapidly evolving debit marketplace.

"We are committed to providing unparalleled customer service, and to creating an environment that consistently exceeds account holders' expectations," Schmelzel said. "UMB takes pride in having a reputation as a financial institution that anticipates our customers' needs, and we look forward to strengthening this reputation through our growing relationship with PULSE."

PULSE President David Schneider said PULSE is eager to expand its relationship with UMB, which has been a PULSE participant since 2003.

"We are pleased to have been selected by UMB to meet its growing electronic payment needs," Schneider said. "As a leading electronic funds transfer network and a pioneer in developing electronic payments, we realize how important it is to provide the highest quality of service to our financial institution participants. UMB's decision to utilize PULSE as its exclusive PIN debit network confirms that we are achieving this objective."

The agreement with PULSE gives UMB the opportunity to have a voice in the network through a seat on the PULSE Financial Institution Oversight Committee. Created in 2005, the committee advises the organization on key issues relative to the network.