CashU card becomes global

As a result of the ground-breaking agreement, Internet shoppers worldwide can now purchase goods and services from websites that accept cashU Cards as well as from websites that accept Mastercard. A top cashU Card official pointed out that the innovative move was expected to further encourage e-commerce development in the Arab world and appeal to shoppers worldwide by offering hassle-free online transactions.

"All e-commerce websites around the world accept Mastercard and the new development will offer online shoppers an added sense of security and reliability, besides complete peace of mind, while ordering their products online," explained Hussam Khoury, President and Chief Technological Officer (CTO) of cashU Card. "This low-cost and risk-free service will undoubtedly excite the region's shoppers."

Applying for the Mastercard number is a simple and inexpensive process. The applicant opens a account and fills in his cashU points, which can be obtained by ordering cashU Cards from the website, www.cashucard.com. At present, cashU Cards are available in denominations of 10, 30, 50, 100 and 300 US Dollars. The user instantly receives a Virtual Mastercard Number, which he can use to order any product or service from any website. The required amount or cashU points are then deducted from his card balance.

cashU Card is a novel e-commerce feature introduced by Maktoob.com, the largest and most popular online Arab community with more than three million registered users. Launched four months ago, cashU Card has already grown in popularity with online shoppers in the region who continuously seek flexible and safer ways of buying goods on the Internet without encountering the risks associated with credit cards.

Khoury explained that the new feature will also appeal to e-commerce websites who wish to sell products and services to a larger international audience. "Many websites face sluggish sales due to buyers' concerns about online credit card fraud. The new development will put all such fears to rest and allow shoppers and sellers total anonymity and convenience while transacting online," he added.

A top Jordan National Bank official explained that the new development reflected the bank's keenness to continuously diversify its operations and strengthen its e-commerce activities. "The pre-paid E-Com Card allows online buyers to purchase any product on the World Wide Web, phone or mail order. This new product helps minimize the risk of misusing the credit card on the Internet," said Nadine Fakhoury, Executive Manager of the Mastercard division of Jordan National Bank.