DCS is working with American Eagle Federal Credit Union to implement a program that instantly issues unembossed Visa debit cards at the branch level. Looking to eliminate the wait time for members to receive a card in the mail, the Connecticut-based credit union will be implementing DCS' CardWizard instant issue software and its FCP 20/20 flat card printers to instantly issue and activate a personalized debit card that can be used immediately when the member leaves the branch.

"We are very pleased that American Eagle Federal Credit Union selected DCS as their instant issue vendor of choice," said Ron Zanotti, senior vice president of DCS. "Signing our 550th customer is a milestone that DCS is extremely proud of. Moreover, our sustained customer growth is a significant sign that more and more financial institutions are recognizing instant issuance as highly beneficial for building better customer relationships and loyalty."

DCS' instant card issuance and PIN solutions are now installed in more than 5,500 retail bank locations both domestically and internationally. And, according to the 2010 Debit Issuer Study sponsored by Discover Financial Services' Pulse electronic funds transfer network, "Instant issuance is growing sharply. Banks and other issuers said they are increasingly handing out debit cards in the branch as they sign up new customers, to facilitate immediate use and to eliminate the expense of having to replace cards lost or stolen in the mail. And, 35 percent of debit-card issuers offered instant issuance in 2009, up from 28 percent in 2008. Those considering it jumped to 36 percent, from 26 percent, in the same time period."

"Financial intuitions are really focusing on improving their card, payments and branch delivery programs to attract and retain customers; especially the younger generation of consumers who are more technology savvy and require convenience in every aspect of their life, including banking," added Zanotti. "Instantly issuing and personalizing cards, stickers, and mobile phones allows financial institutions to remain current and competitive with all consumer segments. DCS' CardWizard is the only instant issuance platform that can provide a PCI compliant, turn-key platform with all these capabilities."

Instantly issuing payment cards eliminates the traditional seven to 10 business days it takes for a cardholders to receive their card, and it decreases the cost and fraud risk associated with sending these payment cards through the mail. In addition, instant issue increases activation and usage rates because the cardholder can begin using their card right away.