If reward programs are applied to debit cards, gas discounts demonstrate the most appeal, says to Synergistics Research Corp. During a telephone survey conducted last May and June, Synergistics asked 1,000 consumers which rewards programs would motivate them to use their debit cards more. Gas discounts proved the most popular (39%), followed closely by cash rebates at 36%.

When it comes to retail banking in Korea, Internet usage beats the branch, according to JoongAng Daily. Data from the Bank of Korea showed that just over three in 10 people banked over the Internet in the third quarter of last year, marking the first time that total had exceeded branch visits. The study noted that just under 30% of Koreans still preferred personal attention from a teller.

More Articles in This Issue

» INTRODUCING HSAS: PLANNING TOOLS MAY HELP ACCEPTANCE
In what is expected to become a crowded market, it sometimes takes something extra to differentiate yourself. When Minneapolis-based U.S. Bancorp debuted its new Health Savings Account (HSA) last month, it went beyond the standard product, which is a tax-advantage deposit account from which customers can pay their health care expenses. The U.S. Bank product also provides online tools that enable customers to compare health care coverage plans and estimate how much coverage they will likely need. »more

» OVERDRAFT PROTECTION VIA ASP
Since federal regulators earlier this year issued new guidelines on overdraft protection that didn't hinder such programs as much as bankers had once feared, solutions providers have been rolling out new products to facilitate those programs. »more

» DO CONTACTLESS CARDS FEED SPENDING SPREES?
Sure, contactless payment technology enable consumers to buy more easily, with just a wave of a card, or other device. But is that necessarily good for consumers, particularly those burdened by high debt? »more

» LET YOUR FINGERS DO THE AUTHENTICATING
With the recent FFIEC guidance urging that financial institutions implement two-factor authentication at their Web sites by the end of 2006, the issue of making transactions safe continues to absorb the industry - and public. Even biometrics, long resisted by consumers, is getting a second look. »more

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