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HID Global provides instant issuance solution to Greek FI

The solution is now in use at 300 Piraeus Bank branches, replacing the more expensive and time-consuming system of sending EMV debit cards by mail.

February 17, 2015

HID Global, a provider of secure identity solutions, announced it will provide its Fargo DTC1000 printers and encoders to instantly issue EMV debit cards to retail banking customers at Greece's Piraeus Bank, a press release said.

The solution is now in use at 300 Piraeus Bank branches for on-demand card issuance, replacing the more expensive and time-consuming system of sending EMV debit cards by mail, according to the release.

Headquartered in Athens, Piraeus Bank has a presence in key European countries including the United Kingdom, Germany and Eastern Europe. The bank has a network of over 800 branches in Greece and more than 450 branches across its European subsidiaries.

"[HID Global's] instant issuance product was affordable and is unmatched for its ease of integration into Piraeus Bank's highly secure IT banking environment," said Harris Voutsas, IT operations director at Piraeus Bank. "Thanks to HID Global, we are able to offer our retail banking customers an improved and convenient service to replace or issue new EMV debit cards."

"By delivering a comprehensive and innovative instant issuance solution that enhances their customers' retail banking experience, we were able to successfully collaborate and support Piraeus Bank, one of the most prominent banks in Greece," said Craig Sandness, VP of the secure issuance business at HID Global.

HID Global partnered with CubeIQ, a regional banking solutions firm that has a longstanding relationship with Piraeus Bank.

The Fargo solution was deployed to bank branches within a timeframe of three months. Retail banking customers can now use their debit cards immediately upon issuance, which also facilitates customer loyalty and enhances overall customer satisfaction, the release said.

Piraeus was able to leverage the same Fargo solution for its four newly acquired banks at no additional expense, enabling it to realize a return on investment within one year.