Datacard Group announced that Associated Bank has selected Datacard CardWizard issuance software for its instant issue debit card program. Immediately after opening a new account, customers leave the branch with a permanent, personalized and activated debit card that can be used right away.

Headquartered in Green Bay, Wis., Associated Bank has approximately 270 branch locations throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. They are currently working with Datacard Group on a phased implementation approach that will consist of rolling out the CardWizard software and associated hardware to 150 of its branches by March 2012. 

For card production, Associated Bank is utilizing the Datacard FCP 20/20 card printer, which delivers full-color, retransfer printing with over-the-edge coverage. The CardWizard software transfers all personalization data fully encrypted to the FCP 20/20 card printer which securely prints in high-definition color onto both sides of white blank card stock. 

“With all the changes that are happening in today’s market, it’s important for financial institutions to strategically structure their debit card business so that they can stay profitable and successful,” said Val Glytas, Senior Vice President and Director of Retail Payments at Associated Bank. “Instant issuance fits perfectly into our overall business strategy because it increases customer service levels and maximizes convenience. And, with immediate issuance and activation, it ultimately increases usage and transaction levels, which helps offset the change in interchange revenue we are all experiencing as a result of the Durbin Amendment.”

Instant issuance also strengthens debit card program security by eliminating the delay, costs and risks of sending cards through the mail. The CardWizard software — which is PCI PA-DSS compliant — interfaces with the bank’s core technology, which enables easy implementation for automated instant issue, PIN selection, rePIN and instant activation.  

The CardWizard software is part of Datacard Group’s Secure Issuance Anywhere platform, which provides customers the flexibility to issue cards and credentials anytime, anywhere, with complete security. This integrated platform includes scalable and flexible hardware, software, supplies and global support–combining central issuance or instant issuance, as well as emerging mobile issuance into a single, integrated solution.