UNFCU recognized the need of their members, who reside and frequently travel to more than 210 countries and territories, to have a more convenient and secure payment option when traveling internationally.

Partnering with Gemalto, UNFCU will be able to provide a globally compliant Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV) standard-based Dynamic Data Authentication (DDA) contact and contactless dual interface card that can be used anytime - anywhere their members travel. UNFCU anticipates introducing the program in the second half of 2010.

With most countries around the world moving to EMV based payment for greater security, U.S. travelers are increasingly having trouble using magnetic stripe bankcards abroad, especially in offline applications like taxis, unattended ticketing and payment kiosks. UNFCU is the first U.S. card issuer to provide a globally compliant payment card option to their members. UNFCU is taking advantage of Gemalto's recently announced World Traveler program in which Gemalto will provide UNFCU with complete issuance services including full card design and production, personalization data preparation and personalization of the dual interface card, ensuring global acceptance and forward compatibility for both online and offline payment transactions.

"Wanting to meet the needs of our highly mobile and often remotely located international membership base, we selected Gemalto as a solution for payment card global compatibility and ongoing safety," said Merrill Halpern, card services manager at UNFCU, who noted the institution's long history of product innovation, focus on security and convenience, and responding to member feedback. "We selected Gemalto based upon their expertise in payment process integration and their ability to provide all of the associated services, such as the SMS-based Personal Identification Number (PIN) reminder service if a cardholder forgets their PIN, and the global emergency card replacement service if the card is lost or stolen. This ensures the best possible experience for our cardholders."

"Cardholders naturally expect to be able to use their payment card anywhere in the world," said Jack Jania, vice president and general manager, Secure Transactions North America. "By partnering with Gemalto, UNFCU leveraged Gemalto's ability to work with payment institutions around the planet to quickly achieve worldwide compatibility. This ensures the microprocessor payment card issued to their members is globally accepted, keeping their payment card top of wallet, and making it the most convenient to use both when traveling and when at home."