DALLAS - Columbus Data Services and Tranax Technologies Inc. have installed Tranax Mini-Bank x4000 series ATMs with sidecars that dispense branded gift cards.
According to a news release, the sidecars are equipped with card dispensers and bill acceptors that allow customers to purchase gift cards worth up to $150 each using their ATM cards or cash.
The terminals have been installed in shopping malls around the Dallas and Houston areas.
"The gift card market is exploding and we think customers will welcome the convenience of purchasing gift cards at an ATM," said Ron Schuldt, president and chief executive of CDS. "The customer chooses the amount they want on the card, inserts cash or uses their ATM card, and the gift card is dispensed, ready to use. The card is an open-loop, use-anywhere card. The same application can be used by retailers who wish to sell their own closed loop, proprietary gift cards at a terminal rather than the customer service area or at the check out counter."
Tranax and CDS developed software that allows the Mini-Bank x4000 ATM and side car to interface with CDS's prepaid card-management system for instant card loading, activation and distribution.
"We're committed to producing self service applications to maximize the revenue of the real estate that ATMs currently occupy," said Wes Dunn, Tranax's director of business development for self-service.
The deal with CDS comes soon after Tranax announced a partnership with another outside vendor, Valid Systems. Last week, Tranax and Valid Systems released plans for a behind-the-counter check-cashing service that allows users to withdraw cash at the ATM.
