Card Briefs: A First: Title Insurer To Take Credit Cards

Tellan Software Inc. said its PC-based processing system was selected by First American Financial Corp., making it the first title insurance company to accept credit cards.

In the first phase of a nationwide rollout, 100 First American locations in northern California will use Tellan's PC Authorize software to accept cards for title insurance, escrow, notary, and other fees.

"Credit cards elevate our level of service and distinguish us within the title insurance industry," said Richard P. Pauletich, chairman and chief executive officer of First American Financial in Walnut Creek, Calif.

"We anticipate that acceptance of credit cards by the title insurance industry will prompt other industries to accept this payment approach," said Tellan chairman and CEO Donald Neff.

Paymentech Inc., an affiliate of Banc One Corp. and its First USA credit card unit, is the merchant-acquiring processor.

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