|
H&R Block First in Prepaid Card Industry to Provide Mobile Check Cashing, Instant Cash-Back Rewards
KANSAS CITY, MO, Dec 04, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --
H&R Block (NYSE: HRB) has announced new consumer benefits providing
instant cash rewards from select retailers and instant access to
funds via mobile check deposit. The Emerald Prepaid Mastercard(R),
having been named one of the top 3 consumer-friendly prepaid cards in
a study by Bankrate.com*, is one of the lowest cost, client-friendly
prepaid programs in the industry.
Approximately 60 million consumers choose alternative banking
methods. Even with new providers, such as Chase Liquid(SM) and
American Express Bluebird(R), the Emerald Card is the only prepaid
card with a bundle of services providing:
-- Instant mobile deposit
-- Instant cash rewards
-- Ability to load prepaid cell phone minutes
-- Access to savings account
-- Access to line of credit
-- Ability to write checks.
"Combining these new features with no activation, monthly account or
purchase fees, our Emerald Card is a world-class checking account
alternative," said Susan Ehrlich, president of H&R Block Financial
Services.
Instant cash as close as the phone
The Emerald Card is the only
prepaid debit card providing clients immediate access to funds
deposited via an innovative remote check capture feature in the
Emerald Car Mobile Banking App(TM). H&R Block introduced this feature
to enable the user to snap a picture of a check with the phone's
camera and instantly deposit the funds to the account upon check
approval. This check-to-card feature delivers convenience in loading
funds onto the Emerald Card -- saving time and money -- while
providing immediate availability to funds.
Use has its rewards
H&R Block also has announced another first in
the prepaid market with H&R Block Emerald Cash Rewards(SM). H&R Block
has partnered with national retailers to provide cardholders more
than $100 in free instant reward offers every month.
"It's the best kind of instant rewards program there is," Ehrlich
said. "There are no coupons to clip or points to track -- ever."
Cardholders simply use their Emerald Card for everyday purchases at
participating merchants and get instant cash rewards from popular
restaurants and major home goods, electronics and apparel retailers.
When clients shop at these participating merchants and use their
Emerald Card, the cash back reward instantly is loaded onto the card.
A new way for prepaid
H&R Block recently launched a new online
banking site for clients, as well as fully integrated free apps for
iPhone(R), iPad(R) and Android(R).
H&R Block's Emerald Online and mobile app enable cardholders to
review account activity and manage their money at home or on the go.
Emerald Online is powered by industry-leader Plastyc**, which
recently was named as providing one of the best consumer value
programs in the prepaid industry.*
By visiting www.hrblock.com/emeraldcard, cardholders will benefit
from a new interface to perform the following tasks and more with
greater ease:
-- Access transaction history and balance
-- Issue personal checks or pay bills
-- Add prepaid minutes to their cell phone
-- Sign up for text and email alerts.
"H&R Block is more than the nation's largest tax preparation company.
We have been helping millions of consumers redefine their banking
relationship," said Aaron Caid, vice president of H&R Block's prepaid
division. "Our focus is on providing the prepaid consumer a great
low-cost alternative for managing everyday finances conveniently and
securely."
*See Bankrate.com 2011 prepaid card survey.
**Plastyc was chosen as
a 2012 Paybefore Awards winner in the Best Consumer Value in prepaid
category for its UPside Visa(R) prepaid card program.
About H&R Block
H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is the world's largest
tax services provider, having prepared more than 600 million tax
returns worldwide since 1955. In fiscal 2012, H&R Block had annual
revenues of $2.9 billion and prepared 25.6 million tax returns
worldwide. Tax return preparation services are provided in
company-owned and franchise retail tax offices by nearly 100,000
professional tax preparers, and through H&R Block At Home(TM) digital
products. H&R Block Bank provides affordable banking products and
services. For more information, visit the H&R Block Online Press
Center.
For Further Information
Gene King
816-854-4287
Email Contact
SOURCE: H & R Block
http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/emailprcntct id=3C5789CE826DC148
[ Back To iphone.tmcnet.com's Homepage ]
|