The Debenhams Prepaid MasterCard works in the same way as a pay as you go phone and can be topped up with cash at any Debenhams store across the UK, completely free. The card can also be topped up at tens of thousands of locations across the UK that are part of the 360money network, including all PayPoint outlets, The Post Office (fees apply), or by direct transfer from a bank account. Users can also have their wages paid directly on to the card.

MasterCard branded, the card can be used to shop at over 25 million retail locations around the globe including millions of high street and online retailers that accept the MasterCard brand without the fear of fraud or spending more than the value loaded on to the card. Redemption of funds loaded onto the card is free in all Debenhams stores. The Debenhams Prepaid MasterCard can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs, and it is Chip and PIN enabled to give users safety and control. Behind the scenes, the scheme is powered by PrePay Technologies on their 360money platform, the UK's biggest prepaid network, providing consumers 24/7 secure online access to their account.

The Debenhams Prepaid MasterCard is not linked to a bank account and no credit check is required to apply for one. The card is being marketed and sold through bespoke 360money starter packs in Debenhams stores, and is also available at debenhams.com/prepaid.

Anthony Graham, Marketing Director at PrePay Technologies, commented; "The US has led the way in prepaid cards and retail distribution has been the cornerstone of that success. The expertise we have developed in managing gift card programmes makes it a natural fit for us to extend this competence to prepaid debit cards in the retail arena. We are delighted to welcome Debenhams into the ever growing 360money portfolio. We have a clear strategy of leveraging our world class prepaid platform to develop and manage prepaid programmes for some of the World's leading companies. This strategy has been endorsed with Debenhams joining Virgin Money, Mirror Group Newspapers, Western Union and many others in the 360money family. We very much look forward to working with Debenhams and delivering an excellent product to their customers."

Matt Howe, Director of Retail Giftcards at Debenhams, added: "We have worked with Prepay Technologies since 2001 on our highly successful gift card programme. Their expertise in the prepaid market made for a natural extension to this valued relationship and has enabled us to develop an innovative product for our customers. The card will be free to top up and use in Debenhams and will provide a safe and secure way for them to enjoy online and holiday spending."

Debenhams joins a growing number of blue chip clients including Western Union, Virgin Money, Mirror Group Newspapers, Habib Bank AG Zurich, COMET, Ticketmaster, Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank, ACCOR and the Arcadia Group who are benefiting from the portfolio of prepaid solutions designed and delivered by PrePay Technologies Ltd.