Warsaw, December 15, 2010 – First Data Corporation , a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Gospodarczy Bank Wielkopolski, a leading cooperative of banks in western Poland, to provide card issuing and processing services for its MasterCard PayPass “Fan Card” project conducted in collaboration with the KKS Lech Poznan, one of the best known football clubs in Poland.

The Fan Card is a new type of payment card that can be used to make contactless payments and ATM cash withdrawals and incorporates a range of applications enabling it to be used as a city travel card, stadium season ticket, parking pass, etc. The prepaid-based cards being implemented by First Data link to a customer bank account and incorporate the latest microchip security technology to comply with EMV standards and provide increased transaction security for cardholders and merchants. The addition of several different applications on one card is possible thanks to Mifare technology, previously proven in the Warsaw city travel card.

“The MasterCard PayPass cards issued by Gospodarczy Bank Wielkopolski can be used as a payment card and a season ticket pass for Lech Poznan Football Club games,” ?said Ziemowit Stempin, director of banking products, Gospodarczy Bank Wielkopolski. “Ultimately cardholders will also be able to use the cards for transportation and parking and in the future we hope to add new applications to fulfill our customers’ requests. We selected First Data to support this project because we know that we can count on their professionalism and expertise to deliver a product of this complexity.”

A radio frequency identification (RFID) system allows the cards to connect with the terminal eliminating physical contact between the card and terminal and reducing the risk of skimming. Cardholders can simply wave the card near a contactless card reader to initiate the transaction process. For higher value purchases cardholders will be asked to confirm the transaction with a PIN entry. The cards leverage cryptography to provide security and prevent accidental transactions.

“We are delighted that Gospodarczy Bank Wielkopolski has selected First Data to deliver its exciting new card offering,” said Grzegorz D?ugosz, a board member of First Data’s business in Poland. “Contactless cards such as the new Fan Card offer speed and convenience for low value purchases. The project will draw on First Data’s extensive processing experience in Poland and broad expertise of contactless payments technologies and systems globally.”

About Gospodarczy Bank Wielkopolski

Gospodarczy Bank Wielkopolski was founded in 1990 on the initiative of Cooperative Banks operating in Wielkopolska and south-western part of Poland. The main shareholders of the Gospodarczy Bank Wielkopolski SA are Cooperative Banks that form the Cooperative Banking Group. A total of 100% capital comes from the financial sector. GBW SA is Poland’s first Bank uniting Cooperative Banks which was not established by law, but it was the initiative of the Cooperative Banks. 

About First Data

Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive customer revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction.

Contacts

Olga Malecka, First Data
+48 (0) 22 515 31 00
olga.malecka@firstdata.pl

Ewa Pater, Twenty Four Seven PR
+ 48 (0) 22 833 08 30, + 48 (0) 517 332 364
ewa.pater@247pr.pl