MasterCard Worldwide, Credicard, Citibank’s credit card administrator for the Brazilian market and Redecard, a Brazilian acquiring company, have launched MasterCard PayPass, a contactless payment technology, in Rio de Janeiro for public transportation and other quick service merchants. MasterCard PayPass is the first contactless payment product to be introduced for public transportation in Latin America.
MasterCard said that the Credicard MasterCard cardholders in Rio de Janeiro will be able to enjoy the speed and convenience of making purchases using contactless technology via a MasterCard PayPass key fob at selected locations in Rio. Moreover, MasterCard PayPass cards and devices issued in Brazil will also be accepted for use at the Rio de Janeiro Metro system. In addition, Redecard plans to add more PayPass merchant acceptance locations in the near future.
Max Chion, senior vice president of products & solutions at MasterCard Latin America and Caribbean, said: “With MasterCard PayPass, consumers simply wave their card or device in front of a PayPass enabled terminal for those transactions valued at less than $25, with no need to swipe the card or sign a receipt; making their buying experience simple, secure and fast. Through this new payment innovation, MasterCard seeks to turn those cash transactions into contactless ones.
“With nearly 66m cards and devices available in 32 countries, MasterCard is the leader in contactless payments and in the best position to offer our pioneering customers with the first electronic payment solution for public transportation in the region.”
Leonel Andrade, president of Credicard, said: “For almost 40 years, Credicard has been recognized for issuing credit cards with unique services and benefits that meet the specific needs of different segments of the population. The launch of MasterCard PayPass reinforces our position of being a brand that puts the needs of our customers first.”
Roberto Medeiros, president of Redecard, said: “Contactless technology is ideal for quick payment environments where speed is essential. MasterCard PayPass allows us to expand the use of electronic payments, particularly at those merchant locations with a large amount of low value-ticket purchases where speed is important, such as public transportation, movie theaters and fast food restaurants.”
