Although the European prepaid market is still in its infancy, prepaid cards will rapidly become more mainstream. Independent research tells us that, by 2010, people across Europe will collectively have around 360 million prepaid payment cards in their pockets at any one time.

Prepaid card growth rates are likely to exceed 110% per annum for the next five years as banks, service providers and retailers look to expand their customer relationship with new products and services. By the end of 2010, the card base is expected to generate 2.3 billion transactions annually - representing a turnover of €75 billion.(1)

Offering MasterCard or Maestro prepaid card solutions can be beneficial to you in a number of ways:

• Enter new markets
  Gift and travel card solutions, for example, position you to take advantage of the growing consumer demand for these kinds of products.
• Attract and retain customers
  Because they're more accepted, secure, and convenient than cash, prepaid cards are a great way to reach new customers while growing and strengthening your existing relationships.
• Create new revenue streams
  With unsurpassed POS and ATM acceptance worldwide, prepaid cards can meet your customers' needs while improving financial return.
• Leverage the MasterCard brands
  Globally recognised payment products and acceptance, consumer trust and security protection: these advantages come with the MasterCard family of brands.

(1) Source: PSE Consulting, May 2006