Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), the world's largest retail electronic payments network, announced today that it has partnered with United Bank Limited Pakistan (UBL) and local Pakistani government agencies to efficiently, securely and transparently distribute relief funds to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Northwest Pakistan.

The use of Visa-branded prepaid cards and the company's global electronic payment network helped to ensure that the aid was distributed quickly and accurately to the program's beneficiaries. It also reduced the cost of aid distribution for UBL and the Pakistani government.

Despite Improved Economic and Financial Confidence, Consumers Continue to Hold the Line on Spending

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 2, 2009-- The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor rebounded in August, rising 3.5 points to 87.0 (based out of 100) as more consumers gained confidence in the economy and their personal finances. In all, 31 percent of U.S. consumers felt economic conditions were improving, a Monitor high and a 7-point increase from July. The rise in confidence also correlated with a 3-point increase in the percentage of consumers who felt their personal finances were getting better. Just over 21 percent felt their finances were improving, the highest number reported since August 2008.

The rise in economic and financial confidence may be a sign that consumers expect better times ahead, but that doesn’t mean they plan to resume spending. Consumers plan to continue holding the line on discretionary spending heading into September. Read More

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 1, 2009-- Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) announced today that Discover^® scored highest in the Interaction factor in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Credit Card Satisfaction Study^SM. The third annual study analyzed six factors critical to the level of satisfaction consumers have with their primary credit card companies. Discover ranked second overall in satisfaction among the top 10 credit card issuers in the study, performing well above the industry average.

“Discover has always been committed to delivering high-quality customer service that puts cardmembers first,” said Carlos Minetti, Executive Vice President of Cardmember Services and Consumer Banking at Discover. “Receiving the highest score in the Interaction factor from J.D. Power and Associates is a reflection of the incredible dedication of our customer representatives who work tirelessly to help our cardmembers achieve a brighter financial future.”

Discover cardmembers can reach a knowledgeable customer service representative on the phone typically within 60 seconds when contacting Discover, the first credit card issuer to offer live, 24/7 customer service. For cardmembers who prefer online self-service, Discover provides consumer-friendly options that put them in complete control of their accounts, from making payments to redeeming rewards to tracking returns and more. Read More

Toronto, ON, August 31, 2009 – INTERAC and PULSE today announced an agreement to provide Diners Club, Discover and PULSE cardholders the ability to withdraw money from ABMs of participating Acquirers in Canada.

“The agreement with PULSE builds on INTERAC’s commitment to expand international use of the payment network through relationships with other networks,” said Mark O’Connell, President & CEO, Acxsys Corporation, architects of the INTERAC network.

Similar to INTERAC’s Cross Border service, the PULSE and INTERAC connection eliminates network setup and ongoing costs for Canadian Acquirers.

“We are pleased to be collaborating with INTERAC to expand cash access for Diners Club, Discover and PULSE cards in Canada,” said Dave Schneider, PULSE President. “Increasing acceptance around the world is a key priority for Discover Financial Services and this agreement supports that goal.”

PULSE, one of the largest ATM/debit networks in the United States, is part of Discover Financial Services. The relationship with PULSE is expected to drive incremental transaction volume for Canadian Acquirers. Read More

RIVERWOODS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 31, 2009-- Economic confidence among small business owners jumped to its highest level in 18 months in August as more owners expressed faith that the U.S. economy is on the rise and gave signs that they are more willing to invest in advertising and new inventory, according to the latest Discover^® Small Business Watch^SM. The index rose to 89.8, up 7.7 points from July and the highest level since 90.9 in February 2008.

“For the past few months, small business owners have shown rising confidence in the overall economy, as well as an increasing sense that the conditions for their own businesses are improving,” said Ryan Scully, director of Discover's business credit card. “This month we have a few more signs that they may be ready to start trying to grow their businesses again, and that the worst may be over.” Read More