Ukash, a United Kingdom-based firm that sells prepaid vouchers for online shopping, announced Monday it has introduced its products in China. Consumers in China can order the vouchers online Ukash says in a statement. Consumers then can use the vouchers for online transactions. The vouchers have unique 19-digit codes consumers enter on Web sites during online transactions. Ukash and other firms offering similar vouchers sell them to consumers who prefer not to use cards for online purchases or who cannot use cards. Ukash already distributes its vouchers in such Asia-Pacific countries as Australia and New Zealand (CardLine Global, 22 July). Consumers in 26 countries now can purchase Ukash vouchers, the firm says.

Consumers in the Australian state of Queensland now can use prepaid Go Cards for travel on the TransLink network, the Queensland state transport minister has announced. The Go Card is a contactless card consumers can use to pay for bus, train and ferry rides. Consumers can store up to AU$250 (US$230 or 156 euros) on the cards. Consumers can buy the cards at various merchant locations in Queensland, and they can choose to have automatic top-ups on the cards via credit card payments. The Queensland Government formed the TransLink Transit Authority to improve and expand public-transport services across Southeast Queensland.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. – CO-OP Financial Services announced a partnership with NCR Corp. to offer a comprehensive suite of managed ATM services to credit unions.

New technology enabling credit card marketers to create cell phone text-message dialogues with customers could enhance their marketing and collection efforts, and one analyst says the technology could be "a potent new tool" as text messaging becomes more routine.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-It isn't children who are hoping for something new under the tree this year. Credit Union Journal presents its 8th Annual Holiday Wish List among technology execs and other credit union leaders.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-If you could offer a dream iPhone application to members, what would it do? CUJ asked that very question to small CUs as part of our 8th Annual Technology Wish List and received an array of ideas beyond the standard menu of balance inquiries, funds transfers and bill payments.

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BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Affinity FCU has rolled out a new remote deposit capture system offered by Integrated Media Management that allows the credit union to process all deposited checks electronically, whether a member is in-branch or remote.

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IRVING, Texas – Online auto loan finance company myAutoloan.com said yesterday it has been granted a U.S. patent for technology that allows consumers to complete one application for any loan product such as a new or used auto purchase, refinancing of an existing auto loan, boat or mortgage loan resulting in online, real time multiple loan offers from participating finance companies, banks and credit unions.

INDIANAPOLIS-Consumers are looking for financial advice in as many media as they can find, and FORUM Credit Union here is doing its best to meet that need.

PALO ALTO, Calif.-As consumers become more disconnected from branches, Addison Avenue FCU is increasingly leveraging several different social media, including Twitter, Facebook and customized forums on its own website to help members with money management.

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