UChoose Rewards supports both consumer and small business market segments for both debit and credit card programs. It is an innovative program that allows financial institutions to select from merchant-funded, issuer-funded or a blended rewards programs.

UChoose Rewards now offers its participants the option to redeem rewards via a new web-enabled, in-store pick-up redemption option. The in-store pick-up option allows participants to order merchandise online as usual, but instead of waiting for items to be shipped, participants can pick them up at participating retailers. The merchandise will normally be available within 20 to 45 minutes with no waiting in line, thanks to reserved parking spaces and dedicated check-out lines. Currently this option is available for reward items redeemed at Best Buy(TM) with additional retailers to be added in the near future.

Since launching the UChoose Rewards in-store pick-up option, nearly 30 percent of cardholders redeeming rewards for merchandise at Best Buy choose the in-store pick up option. The average time between order placement and notification of in-store pick-up availability was 23 minutes.

"With rewards at the top of consumers' shopping list when they are selecting credit cards, issuers need a way to make their rewards programs stand out," said Ken Paterson, vice president, Research Operations, Mercator Advisory Group. "UChoose Rewards from Fiserv improves the immediacy of rewards, while featuring the brand recognition of retailers that consumers trust."

"UChoose Rewards has always been about choices," said Holly Krest, senior vice president, Loyalty Solutions, Fiserv. "Our financial institution clients have choices in the type of UChoose Rewards program they offer, including issuer-funded, merchant-funded or blended; participants have loads of choices in rewards; and now participants have choices in redemption options as well. At Fiserv, we are always looking for innovative ways to maake the program even better and bring more choices to our clients and their cardholders."

Also available is a new e-certificate redemption option, which gives participants immediate access to their rewards. This option allows participants to redeem points for a gift card reward, but rather than waiting for a plastic gift card to arrive in the mail, an e-certificate is available immediately for download. Currently there are more than 80 merchants offering e-certificates, with more expected soon. 

Separately, Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV), a leading global provider of financial services technology solutions, today announced new, expanded card carrier options to help companies retain and grow customer relationships when marketing debit, credit and prepaid programs. Now when cards are shipped to the cardholder, the card carrier can be a communication tool with options such as larger formats, more color choices, targeted images, graphics and variable content to reach customers with truly customized messages such as offers for cross-sell and upsell, regulatory information and educational content.

"It is critical to connect with each customer in a meaningful and measurable way," said Jorge Diaz, president, Output Solutions, Fiserv. "That is why we have developed these new communication tools, such as a larger card-carrier format, to provide more real estate and allow for robust messaging, including coupons, checks and promotional information. These tools help turn every point of customer contact into a personalized, actionable experience."

With these new options, the card carrier can be turned into a valuable communications piece that delivers engaging offers to drive response rates and incremental revenue. The card carrier can also provide helpful information to reduce call center volume. In addition, large carriers can accommodate disclosures or expanded terms and conditions that are increasingly required for industry and government regulations. Overall, these enhancements can help companies make the most of their card carriers -- a cost-effective communication tool they already use.

To further customize the experience, Fiserv clients can include personalized URLs or Quick Response (QR) codes in their messaging to direct customers to specific web landing pages or online offers. These communication techniques can help strengthen customer engagement, which can lead to increased retention.

"Fiserv has a strong reputation for comprehensive communications delivered in print and electronically -- from cards and carriers, to statements, notices and tax forms," said Diaz. "More than ever, we are a true single-source provider of world-class communications tools to our clients who are issuing debit, credit and prepaid cards."