Card Briefs: Visa Offering Rewards To Debit Merchants

Visa U.S.A. is trying to promote debit cards to East Coast merchants this month, offering cash prizes to stores that display Interlink signs and handle the on-line transactions.

Visa reported 32 million Interlink cardholders, 289,000 merchant locations, and 1,200 financial institutions in the network.

In the "Interlink Mystery Shopper" promotion, 45,000 merchants in nine states will have the chance to win $1,000 cash prizes. Merchants who register will be eligible for a stealth visit from a Visa "mystery shopper," who will check for Interlink signage and the ability to complete Interlink transactions.

"The ultimate goal of this program is to create merchant awareness and promote debit card acceptance through a fun and rewarding program," said Glenn Carlson, director of deposit and cash products.

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