The Fiserv solution provides the "one-stop shopping" benefit of combined debit and credit services with high-value ancillary services including ATM terminal driving. Unique advantages to Fiserv clients include relationship pricing that provides economies of scale for increased transaction volumes, an enterprise-wide viewpoint for enhanced account relationship management, and the ability to leverage key technology and infrastructure requirements including telecommunications services. Fiserv also is planning to offer elements of a combined back office support system as part of its debit and credit service suite.

Fiserv designed its solution by leveraging its extensive ATM, POS and off-line debit transaction processing experience with the Fiserv PLUS(TM) System. The PLUS System unites VisionPLUS® credit processing software - the industry's leading credit-processing solution - with decades of Fiserv information-processing expertise. This powerful mix of software and service provides a state-of-the-art foundation upon which businesses can build innovative private-label, revolving, bankcard and installment credit programs.

"Our goal in joining our debit processing product with the PLUS System is to create an all-in-one solution that will streamline our clients' debit and credit processing tasks," said Tony Catalfano, President and Chief Operating Officer of Fiserv EFT/CNS. "With all of the best features of both products, we can respond to client needs by saving them time and adding convenience to their workday."

Max Narro, President of Fiserv Credit Processing Services, said the key benefit to clients is the ability to leverage a total Fiserv relationship.

"From pricing to operations to customer service, it's a winning combination for us and our clients," Narro said. "Nowhere else in the industry will you find a single debit and credit processing solution that offers all the benefits of Fiserv debit/credit processing, including reliability, access to all debit networks and single-point settlement. Clients also receive the ability to start and stop credit promotions automatically, update statement messages in real time, offer consumers real product choices without special programming, automate the general ledger with updated reporting received every day, offer flexible billing cycles and enable variable rate programs."