Instead of debit card usage, Mercator’s researchers found that consumers are relying on what have often been considered fringe financial services. For instance, largely forsaking the services provided by banks and credit unions, half of consumers surveyed said they were using check cashing, bill payment, money transfers, short-term loans and rent-to-own arrangements to take care of their financial needs.
Pew: Best Prepaid Cards More Affordable Than Checking Accounts
Other improvements for prepaid cardholders noted by the study’s authors include much better disclosure. For instance, nearly all of the cardholder agreements examined by Pew included language explicitly stating that customer funds would be covered by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance.
For Prepaid Cards, Choose EMV Chip Cards, A Smart Card All Around
By Curtis Arnold Besides the thieves themselves, the main culprit to emerge from the recent heist of personal information from over 100 million Target and Neiman Marcus shoppers isn’t human at all. Rather, the unlikely villain is a decades old piece of technology known simply as the magstripe, or magnetic stripe, that graces the backs… Continue reading For Prepaid Cards, Choose EMV Chip Cards, A Smart Card All Around
Target Data Breach Spawns Consumer Advisory
The now infamous Target data breach continues to have ripple effects. On January 27th, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a consumer advisory with tips on what to do if someone suspects they are a victim of what seems to be multiplying payment card data breaches. There’s no doubt that the Target data breach… Continue reading Target Data Breach Spawns Consumer Advisory
Potential Security Breach at Michaels Stores
If a cyber attack on Michaels is confirmed, it will be just the latest in a string of high profile data thefts directed at national retailers.
Banks Sponsor Prepaid Debit Cards
The recent announcement about wireless carrier T-Mobile’s new prepaid debit card has highlighted the popularity of this still relatively new financial product among banks. According to a recent article in The Washington Post, banks are increasingly excited about the prospect of teaming up with retailers like T-Mobile to offer prepaid debit cards. The reason? Money,… Continue reading Banks Sponsor Prepaid Debit Cards