Online cash payment provider Ukash has announced its prepaid vouchers will be available for purchase over the internet through secure bank transfers, allowing customers to get Ukash any time of the day from virtually anywhere.
The move will take Ukash, the leading Instant Internet banking issuing method, into 13 new countries.
A recent customer survey carried out by Ukash revealed that most of its European customers have bank accounts and own a credit card, but do not feel safe revealing financial details to third parties like online retailers and gaming websites. Ukash's partnership with Citadel Commerce, the experienced e-commerce company, provides a convenient solution to turn money into e-cash direct from a bank account.
Customers visit the Ukash website and access a secure interface from which they can transfer money from their bank account and turn it into a unique 19-digit Ukash voucher, at no additional charge. The voucher can then be used to shop, pay and play online - a completely safe and convenient electronic transaction with cash.
"The partnership is yet another example of our ongoing efforts to provide Ukash as conveniently and safely as we possibly can to all of our customers," Mark Chirnside, CEO of Ukash said. "To that end, online issuance is a key addition to the existing ways in which customers can get Ukash, namely traditional stores, via mobile and through e-wallets. This combination is aimed at enhancing our offering and increasing our presence around the world."
"By combining Citadel's Instant Internet banking network with Ukash's prepaid vouchers we are creating an alternative payment solution that will be available to millions of customers in many countries", stated Michael Meeks, President of Citadel Commerce. "We are pleased to be working with Ukash and we look forward to further accelerating the growth of our businesses together."
The rapid expansion driven by the new agreement is planned continue in both physical and virtual networks throughout 2009.
Ukash is currently available in 275,000 physical stores across more than 20 countries in Europe, South Africa and via Vodafone mobiles in the UK.