Fleet Credit Card Services is to offer its Fusion chip-based credit card with Compaq's latest Presario 5000 and 7000 Series desktop PCs and smart credit card Internet keyboards.
The combined offering will provide consumers with the first integrated smart card and reader solution say the companies.
Fleet's latest Fusion card is powered by a 32K microprocessor chip pre-loaded with three applications - payment, secure access and loyalty programs, and uses chip and reader technology from Gemplus.
The card can also access Fleet's online account management, allowing customers to pay their bills, track purchases, set account alerts, and request balance transfers. Fusion customers are also able to enroll in an online rewards programme receiving up to 15 per cent cashback when shopping at participating online merchants.
Brett Faulk, director of consumer desktop product marketing for Compaq's access business, says: "The solutions provided by the Compaq Smart Credit Card Internet Keyboard coupled with the Fusion smart Visa card can help increase consumer confidence in online shopping and accelerate the consumer infrastructure and acceptance of smart card technology."
Presario PCs featuring the Compaq Smart Credit Card Internet Keyboard are currently shipping across the US. Consumers who purchase a new Compaq Presario PC will be able to apply for the new Fusion card by simply pressing a dedicated hot button on the keyboard that takes them to the "Smart Credit Card Zone," a portal where an online application for the card and smart Visa online merchants can be found. From mid-July, consumers will also be able to apply for the card at a combined Compaq/Fusion Web address.