Deadly Spring weather disrupts lives, businesses

The tornadoes that struck Joplin, Missouri left a tragic wake that will be felt for years to come. Aside from the heart-rending human loss, as business people, we at Directo are thinking of the once-thriving businesses that are going to struggle to continue operations as they rebuild, and our thoughts are with them in their journey.

Spring has always been the time of volatile weather, but this year's news has been extraordinary. It's a wake up call to all of us. If your company doesn't have a business continuity plan in place, don't waste another second! Review and update your current plans. Paycards can be an important part of your plan. Email for a copy of our white paper for tips on how to include paycards in your recovery and continuity plans.

Banks eyeing debit transactions - watch out!

As we posted earlier this spring, banks are looking for ways to make money, and debit transactions may soon see a steep increase. At Directo, we're seeing an increase in wary consumers who are dumping their traditional bank accounts for easy to use Directo paycard accounts. If you're an employer, a Directo paycard program costs nothing, since the accounts belong to your employees. Email today to find out more, or visit www.directocard.com.

Are you an employee? Tell your employer that you want Directo paycards offered at your workplace!

Preparing for the worst.

The recent extreme weather we've experienced across the country has everyone examining their business continuity plans. Direct deposit should be primary in both individual and business recovery plans, and Directo paycards can make direct deposit work for everyone in your company.

Direct deposit and Directo paycards enable you to pay a scattered workforce, and because Directo can instantly replace lost cards, your displaced employees can receive pay with minimal or no interruption.

Read our informative Business Continuity white paper, and find out more at www.directocard.com.

Happy Earth Day! Congrats - you can be even more green!

If you offer your employees the benefit of Directo paycard accounts, you have cut paper and ink cost, as well as distribution cost. What more can you do? How about going totally paperless?

With MyStub electronic paystubs, you can say goodbye to ALL payroll distribution. Each employee can log into his or her account and view paystubs when they are available. Those workers who do not have computer access can still view their net pay, via text message to their phone! Directo's MyStub is inexpensive, quickly set up, and your employees will appreciate the flexible delivery methods. It will pay for itself in very little time.

See for yourself -

Schedule a free, no-pressure demo at your convenience. I'll be happy to walk you through the program and let you peek behind the curtain to see how it's all done. Email me at bplatas@directo.net.

Happy Earth Day!

Berta

May is Directo Deposit Month - time to go green!

This is the year to cut your payroll cost to the bone - and Directo makes it happen, usually in just a week.

Directo paycards let you say goodbye to payday hassles of check distribution, replacing lost or stolen checks, and paycheck fraud concerns. No more dealing with escheat. Pay your employees via direct deposit, either with their existing bank accounts or with Directo paycard accounts that you open on site.

Simple to manage, no software or hardware to buy, no updates to install - enrollment is done online. Directo supplies cards, enrollment materials, and marketing materials to you free of charge. All materials available in English and Spanish, too.

Want to learn more? Call us!

Directo account social security deposits roll on despite Federal budgeting woes

The Social Security Administration announced that checks went out last week, so no worries for recipients. Directo account holders who receive government benefits have nothing to worry about either, no matter how long the budget wrangling goes on. Direct deposit is fast and easy and Directo paycards can be used at an ATM that show the Visa and CIRRUS logos. We sure hope the budget is settled today, because a lot of folks will have a hard few days ahead.

Chase considers limit to debit card transactions

We predicted the end of free banking, and it's happening as banks scramble for ways to replace the billions in lost revenue brought about by changes in banking law.

Interchange fee limits being discussed mean that banks will make even less per transaction, according to Blake Eliss's story on CNN.com's Money Page:

Joe Price, president of consumer banking for Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), said in an e-mailed statement that the lower fee wouldn't fairly compensate the bank for the infrastructure and services it provides to retailers.

And consumers would end up feeling the pain when Bank of America is forced to recoup costs "by increasing the cost of their everyday debit card transactions, limiting their payment choices, and impacting industry innovation," according to the email.

Aside from mulling over a limit on transaction amounts, Chase is already testing $3 monthly fees on debit cards and $15 fees on checking accounts in certain states. Additionally, the bank announced in November that it has stopped issuing debit rewards cards. Read the entire story here.

Directo paycards are not affected by this type of increase, and continue to be the best banking choice those who want an alternative to traditional banks' increasing fees. Directo plan options include several ways to save, including some that bundle several free ATM transactions per month, and for those far from ATMs, one that include several free point of sale transactions per month. Visit www.directocard.com or call us at 866-365-6521 for information on how Directo paycards can cut your payroll costs and improve productivity.