The long-term agreement will focus initially on enabling Mercury Cards on the DFS networks, which include Discover Network, Diners Club International, PULSE and other partner networks, to provide acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. The companies also plan to look at future opportunities to partner on other products and services.

Network International formally launched the Mercury Network scheme on April 22, 2013, with the introduction of a pre-paid card in the U.A.E. which will allow companies to remunerate employees who do not have access to traditional banking services. The agreement with Discover will allow Network International to support credit and debit cards on a global basis, further adding to the strength of the Mercury Network.

Discover and Network International also plan to collaborate on the integration of Discover D-PAS EMV solutions and fraud monitoring solutions to ensure safe transactions across both networks.

"This alliance is another example of Discover's flexibility, unique positioning in the market and ability to support and encourage domestic payment networks around the world," said Diane Offereins, EVP and President of Discover Payment Services. "By partnering with regional payment networks such as Network International, Discover is able to leverage its assets to grow volume and increase brand awareness in places like the U.A.E., one of the fastest growing economies in the world. We're also providing our partners with customized solutions to help them achieve global reach and address localized preferences."

Discover has established network to network alliances across the globe, including relationships in China, Japan, Korea, Serbia, India, Puerto Rico, Nigeria and throughout Europe. These alliances provide valuable access to Discover's global acceptance footprint and deliver value and volume to merchants and partners.

"Our alliance with Discover is a significant milestone for Network International and another major step in our strategic payment network growth plan and expansion goals," said Bhairav Trivedi, CEO of Network International. "The new agreement with Discover Financial Services provides our issuing members with new options for ATM and POS access around the globe, while Mercury is customizing our card network programs specifically to the needs of our financial institution partners and their customers."