First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, today announced that Metro Health Services Federal Credit Union has selected First Data for both debit and credit card processing services.
The Omaha, Neb.-based credit union has also joined First Data's STAR Network, signing a multi-year agreement under which STAR will provide PIN-secured debit point-of-sale (POS) and ATM access to its cardholders. Metro Health also will use First Data's Ready Lift loyalty program.
Metro Health serves employees from the food, health and education industries through six branch offices and 69 ATM locations throughout the Omaha metropolitan area. STAR is one of the nation's leading electronic funds transfer (EFT) networks, with more than 2 million retail and ATM locations. First Data has major operations in Omaha, including its primary global technology center, and more than 5,000 employees working in several Omaha-area locations.
The state of Nebraska recently granted Star Networks, Inc., a subsidiary of First Data, recognition as an approved switch, expanding PIN-debit choice for Nebraska financial institutions.
"We recognized that we could benefit from superior value provided by the STAR Network and First Data," said Jeff Kelly, vice president of product development for Metro Health. "First Data's innovation, fraud detection capabilities and service provided additional reasons for us to determine that First Data was the clear choice."
"Metro Health's goal was to provide their members with secure and convenient account access in a cost-effective way," said Bryan Kratz, senior vice president, community financial institutions, for First Data. "First Data solutions can enable the credit union to strengthen member loyalty and increase operational efficiencies while helping its members reach their financial goals."
Terms of the agreement are confidential.