Finaccord’s series of country-focused reports about retailer payments, banking, insurance and assistance investigates the market for financial services organised by major retail brands in 20 important countries. As well as examining the initiatives of prominent retailers in payment cards, banking products, insurance and assistance, the studies also examine their involvement in proprietary and coalition loyalty programs, and detail the online payment mechanisms accepted by those with an online sales capability.
The category of payment cards offered by retailers comprises credit cards, including both co-branded cards and private-label store cards, plus debit and prepaid cards. Prepaid cards are here distinguished from use-restricted gift cards, which comprise those stored-value cards usable at specific retail chains or groups. Gift cards are considered in their own sub-section.
Consideration of loyalty programs includes both coalition loyalty programs, developed by two or more commercial entities, and proprietary loyalty programs, which are specific to one retail brand or group. These programs may furthermore be tied to payment cards, to non-payment cards, to both payment and non-payment cards, or be operated without an associated card.