The new Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Card has debuted in Germany, offering its holders the convenience of secure, Tap & Go contactless payment transactions.

     The new Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Card features a SmartMX security EMV chip from NXP Semiconductors, a leader in the design and manufacturing of contactless chips for smart cards. The card, produced by Austria Card in Vienna, is a MasterCard card and issued by Deutsche Kreditbank AG in cooperation with Lufthansa. 116.30.192.184 This article is copyright 2008 UsingRFID.com.

     "The Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Card extends the Miles & More programme into the daily lives of our customers," said Carsten Schaeffer, Managing Director from Miles & More International. "From booking a flight, re-charging in a lounge to ''ensuring'' peace of mind while travelling, the Miles & More Credit Card simplifies and enhances our cardholders lives. The MasterCard PayPass feature in particular offers customers the convenience of paying quickly - enabling them of having exact change for quick, secure transactions on the go."

     The new Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Card is the first credit card in Germany to offer MasterCard PayPass technology. MasterCard PayPass, a contactless payment technology already introduced at participating retailers in the United States and 23 other countries, enables payments of up to 25 Euros with a simple tap of the card over the PayPass reader, with no signature or PIN being required. For purchases of more than 25 Euros, card holders still need to sign or enter their PIN, while online purchases are verified through a MasterCard Secure Code known only to the card holder.

     "Over time, we expect that contactless payments will become a ''must have'' feature that will increase the frequency of card usage and further improve customer retention," said Steve Owen, vice president, sales and marketing, Identification, NXP Semiconductors. "With contactless payments, consumers enjoy convenience and shorter queues, while retailers benefit from greater customer satisfaction and a reduction in handling and service costs. For card issuers, we expect that offering contactless payment in addition to other features - such as a frequently flyer or loyalty programme - will help to boost card usage over time."

     The first MasterCard PayPass terminals in Germany have been installed at checkout counters in the Frankfurt and Munich Airports, and are expected to become more widely available through participating retailers throughout the country. The Lufthansa Miles & More Credit Cards are currently accepted in more than 27 million locations across the world.

 

 

 

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