Chase (NYSE: JPM) Visa credit and debit cardholders will have exclusive access to the Visa Mobile application for a limited time. The application will allow select Chase Visa cardholders to receive notifications about transaction activity on their accounts; obtain offers from a wide array of merchants; and use the integrated Google mapping technology to quickly find nearby participating merchants or ATMs that accept Visa.

"Visa is thrilled to make these applications available to mobile users and offer the first commercial service in the U.S. that bundles offers, transaction alerts and a locator service into one easy-to-use application," said Tim Attinger, Head of Global Product Innovation at Visa Inc. "Combining technologies from innovative companies like Visa, Google, and other members of the Open Handset Alliance delivers consumers convenience and value in their everyday mobile lives."

Fourteen leading national merchants are supporting the initial launch of Visa Mobile on Android by providing offers to Visa cardholders, including 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Bonefish Grill, eBags.com, eMusic.com, FragranceNet.com, Jos. A. Bank, Lenovo, Overstock.com, Planet Hollywood, Restaurant.com and Shoes.com. Visa cardholders will be able to receive special offers from these merchants directly to their Android powered mobile device, including discounts and coupons. Google mapping technology guides consumers to nearby locations of merchants sending them offers.

"The mobile channel represents an exciting opportunity for Chase to deliver added value, services and information to our card holders," said Rob Rosenblatt, general manager, Chase Card Services. "Chase is delighted to serve as Visa's initial launch partner delivering these capabilities via Android and the T-Mobile G1 phone."

Three powerful services

Visa mobile applications for Android will help make consumers mobile lives easier, improve their ability to manage and protect their Visa accounts, and get valuable offers from merchants that are tailored specifically for their interests. Visa cardholders with Android powered devices can download the Visa Mobile application from the Android Market, and simply enroll to receive services. Consumers are also able to "opt-out" at any time, preserving their privacy.

The services include:

• Alerts: Near real-time notification of Visa account activity based on cardholder preferences, such as the size of the transaction, or whether the transaction is in foreign currency. Because these alerts are triggered by the transaction as it passes through the Visa network, consumers will receive notifications almost immediately after completing their purchase. This service is intended to increase cardholders' peace of mind by enabling them to better track Visa spending. It also provides Visa with a new way to combat payment card fraud.
• Offers: Consumers will be able to receive offers from any of the participating merchants directly to their phone. These offers - ranging from discounts, loyalty points and statement credits - could be based on a consumer's previous purchase activity. For consumers and merchants alike, this service will ensure the most relevant offers are sent in a timely manner, helping increase merchant traffic, loyalty and customer satisfaction. Merchants benefit from better targeting and more efficient marketing spend and cardholders get more of the offers they want.
• Locator: A service that is integrated with Google Maps and Google location-based services to show consumers the nearby locations of merchants sending them offers, or of an ATM that accepts Visa. The location would be highlighted on a map on the mobile device's screen and the user would also be able to get driving directions to the location.