Oberthur, Tbilisi bank to launch payWave cards throughout Central Europe
15 June, 2009
category: Contactless, Financial
Oberthur Technologies has paired with People’s Bank in Tbilisi, Georgia to launch a Visa payWave contactless payment program. The bank’s Voyage Card combines contact chip and PIN payment capabilities with Visa’s payWave, enabling the cardholder to pay simply by placing his card in front of a reader. The card also offers MIFARE ticketing for use in public transport.
The Voyage Card is also the first Visa payWave contactless card to use Oberthur’s hot foil stamping card-design technique, which provides the bank with a new look for its card. Part of the card’s design, a world map, is stamped with holographic material, creating a high-definition, embossed imprint.
The bank plans to issue cards to students and teachers in Tbilisi, a key customer segment for the bank to encourage the use of contactless technology, and plans to roll out Visa payWave in pharmacies, railway stations, fast-food stores, schools and universities.
The Voyage Card’s MIFARE application also allows the user to purchase personalized e-tickets for use in Tbilisi’s public transport system.