AUSTIN, Texas – United Heritage CU has successfully completed a test pilot of unembossed Visa credit and debit cards.
Unembossed payment cards feature printed personalized information, such as the account number and cardholder name, rather than embossed with raised lettering currently found on most U.S credit and debit products.
Traditional embossed cards typically require lengthier production times and more complex supply chain management. Because the cards have to be created offsite, they generally are shipped to cardholders days after enrollment, leaving the new cardholder unable to make purchases or conveniently access cash at ATMs in the interim or relying on a temporary generic card. The ability to provide personalized printed cards instantly at a branch enables cardholders to take advantage of their cards immediately.
"Being able to instantly provide members with Visa cards has helped us drive activation, usage and loyalty while reducing costs," said Michael Ver Schuur, executive vice president at United Heritage. "Not only that, our cardholders felt secure receiving their cards directly at the branch and enjoyed the ability to access their accounts conveniently right away."
Visa unembossed cards are accepted by most Visa merchants, with the exception of those who require a manual imprint at the point of sale such as with an old-style "zip-zap" machine, and can be used for purchases made online, by mail or by phone.
