Old Second National Bank Selects Discover for New Debit Program
Signature Debit Solution Delivers Superior Value to Bank, its Customers
RIVERWOODS and AURORA, ILL., July 18, 2013 – Old Second National Bank, with a 140-year history as one of the Chicago area’s largest and strongest community banks, has teamed with Discover to create the Old Second Debit Card powered by Discover® Debit. Old Second customers will receive the new card in 2014, following a pilot program with bank employees.
Discover Debit is managed by PULSE, a leading debit/ATM network, and a subsidiary of Discover Financial Services. Old Second, a PULSE network participant for more than 10 years, has approximately 50,000 debit cardholders. The bank provides full-service banking from Chicago-area branches in Cook, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, DuPage, LaSalle and Will counties in Illinois.
The agreement to transition to Discover Debit follows a thorough evaluation of its debit program options by Old Second.
“The Old Second Debit Card is a better payment solution for our cardholders, who will benefit from the enhancements that Discover Debit offers, such as a lowest purchase price guarantee and industry-leading tools to mitigate their exposure to debit card fraud,” said Keith Gottschalk, executive vice president and chief operating officer with Old Second. “At the same time, the program delivers superior value to our bank, including improved economics, transparent operating rules, simplified billing and extensive marketing support.”
By joining with Discover, Old Second will provide its customers with signature debit cards that provide convenient access to manage and spend their funds, along with security features that give them peace of mind. Under the agreement, Old Second also will have exclusive branding on the front of its card to reinforce the relationship the bank has with its cardholders.
“Discover provides Old Second with a fresh approach to signature debit,” said Dave Schneider, senior vice president of debit strategies for Discover and president of PULSE. “Discover Debit is accepted at more than 9 million merchant locations nationwide. Old Second also will benefit from highly competitive interchange revenue and lower network fees.”
In addition to the lowest purchase price guarantee, Old Second cardholders will benefit from Discover Debit’s zero liability protection, identity theft defense, and a cash-over option at participating merchant locations nationwide. Old Second also plans to incorporate its current rewards offering into the new debit program to enable cardholders to earn points that can be redeemed for travel, shopping, entertainment and other perks.
About Old Second Bancorp, Inc.
Old Second National Bank is a national banking organization headquartered in Aurora, Ill. that provides commercial, treasury management and retail banking services, as well as trust and wealth management services. Old Second has offices located in Cook, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, DuPage, LaSalle and Will counties. Additional information concerning Old Second can be accessed at www.oldsecond.com.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America’s cash rewards pioneer, and offers home loans, private student loans, personal loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its direct banking business. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation’s leading debit/ATM networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.