An Post takes to the Skies with Ryanair
13 March 2009
The Ryanair prepaid card is a new way to pay for goods and services on line or at point of sale and allows customers to reload cash directly to the card on a pay-as-you go basis at over 1,000 post offices nationwide.
The card is a MasterCard payment service which allows customers to prepay with their own money, to shop online, or at retail outlets where MasterCard is accepted.
An Post Head of Sales, Jason Byrne, said “An Post has a strong presence in e-fulfilment and the online market. The facility to reload cash to the card at Post Offices is the latest innovation to our integrated range of products and services, both online and traditional, offering flexibility and ease of access to those customers choosing prepaid and online retail options.
The free, post office cash reloading option is a challenge to conventional thinking in the prepaid card market, offering significant advantages to consumers when shopping online.
As the card is not linked to a bank account the user only has exposure for the amount on the card and this is guarded by chip and pin technology.
The prepaid card is expected to be popular with a range of consumers, providing a straightforward solution to budgeting, home shopping, online ticket purchases, a safe and convenient method for parents to give money to children, a new payment option for those without a bank account and for those fearful of identity fraud.
In addition to limiting liability for all online shoppers, the prepaid card is a simple solution for those who do not have access to a credit card but want to make online purchases, or who would rather carry a card than cash.
Customers who want control and flexibility over their personal finance will benefit from the range of payment options by cash or laser card at Post Offices.
Ryanair’s Sinead Finn said: “Ryanair revolutionised the way people purchase airline seats with 99% of our guaranteed lowest fares purchased online. Our new MasterCard will allow everyone to carry a payment card which is accepted not only online, but also for traditional purchases in shops and restaurants. The application process is simple, the fees are clear and customers can now carry a MasterCard without credit checks or even having a bank account. It is ideal for those who want to control their finances, or who want to provide a family member with a MasterCard which they can control.”
The Ryanair prepaid card is topped-up like a mobile and used like a debit card. Cards are available from www.ryanairprepay.com or on a link from www.ryanair.com.
