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

“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. 24, 2009-- Discover today launched a series of advertisements that celebrates cardmembers and highlights what they “get back” from their Cashback Bonus – both literally and emotionally. The new ads are intended to portray the sense of optimism that many of our cardmembers seek, the everyday things that make them happy, as well as Discover’s cash rewards leadership.

“The advertisements are a reflection of what our cardmembers have shared with us for years – how Discover’s cash rewards have helped them experience the joy that comes from the little things in life,” said Julie Loeger, senior vice president of rewards and brand management at Discover. “We are building upon our heritage of cash rewards by offering more program enhancements that enable cardmembers to make their money worth more.” Read More