June 22, 2011

Visa makes cash access easier for tourists, visitors

TORONTO -- Visa Canada  announced today it is partnering with members of the ATM industry to increase Visa acceptance at privately owned ATMs in   Canada, giving foreign visitors fast and easy access to cash when visiting   Canada. When the Visa brand mark is displayed on an ATM, Visa cardholders know they can access cash quickly, conveniently and securely.

"Research shows that 23 per cent of travellers get local cash from an ATM upon arrival in a foreign country 1," said   Sue Whitney, head of new products, Visa Canada.  "By displaying the Visa symbol on ATMs, we are assuring cardholders that they've found a safe and convenient location to withdraw cash using their Visa card."

A recent Tourism Report from Visa Inc. showed that visitors from the   United States  were by far the largest contributors to the Canadian tourism economy during 2010, spending   $3.5 billion  on their Visa cards in   Canada 2. To raise awareness of Visa acceptance at ATMs in   Canada, Visa has launched an advertising campaign in the   United States, letting Americans know that they don't have to get Canadian currency before leaving home, but can easily access it with their Visa card once they arrive.

All ATMs that accept Visa bear the Visa/PLUS brand marks. This summer, ATMs in key tourist locations will have additional signage to draw attention to the acceptance services they provide for tourists.

"By partnering with members of the ATM industry, we're making it even easier for Visa cardholders to benefit from the security and convenience of their Visa cards," continued Whitney. "As always, Visa cardholders are protected by our layers of security, including Zero Liability, whether they are used in stores, online or at ATMs."

Ms. Whitney   will be speaking to members of the industry at the ATM Industry Association (ATMIA)   Canada  2011 conference tomorrow, June 22, 2011.

Visa is working with the ATM industry to reach owners of privately owned ATMs to invite them to begin accepting Visa transactions. Accepting Visa would allow ATMs to benefit from future payments innovations implemented by Visa.

Visa's first partner in this initiative is Calypso   Canada, an ATM processor and key ATM industry leader, and a Transaction Network Services Company.

"While many bank ATMs already accept Visa, other ATM providers are an important presence in the market, and this is a new business opportunity for them," said   Doug Epp, Senior Director of Sales for Transaction Network Services   Canada. "We're pleased to be joining forces with Visa to expand the services provided by our ATMs, reaching new users and offering new services, beyond traditional cash dispensing."

There are 1.9 billion Visa cards around the world. Visa is accepted at tens of millions of merchants and more than 1.8 million ATMs in 200 countries and territories worldwide.