Peopledge Adds Innovative Prepaid MasterCard(R) Payroll Option

    TORONTO, Dec. 19 /CNW/ - Toronto based Peopledge, a full service Human
Resources, Benefits and Payroll company announced the addition of the
HorizonPlus Prepaid MasterCard Payroll card program to their existing line of
payroll solutions. "The HorizonPlus Prepaid MasterCard Payroll program allows
our clients' employees to have all or a portion of their pay loaded directly
to their personalized prepaid MasterCard card" explains Peopledge President &
CEO, John Cummings.
    "Because there is no credit check required, it's great for clients with
young employees." adds Cummings. "In many cases this may be their first
opportunity to enjoy the benefits that a major credit card has to offer."
    "The HorizonPlus Prepaid MasterCard Payroll card program is easy to
implement and the costs are minimal, comparable to those associated with a
regular checking account." notes Gerry Serratore, Vice President of Marketing,
for People Payment Solutions, the prepaid card services division of Peoples
Trust, who together with InComm Canada have established and operate the
HorizonPlus Payroll MasterCard program.
    The program is optional for employees and they can choose to have some,
or all, of their payroll posted electronically to their personal MasterCard
card. The process is simple and secure - funds are transferred to the card via
the standard direct credit process or by file transfer to a secure web
browser. Once funds are loaded, the employees receive a customized update and
have immediate access to them no matter where they may be on payday. Funds are
100% secure and held in trust for the Cardholders.

    The HorizonPlus prepaid MasterCard card is accepted at any of the over 25
million merchant locations that accept MasterCard electronically - including
phone and Internet purchases. It can also be used to withdraw cash at any ATM
that displays the Cirrus(R) Acceptance Mark.
    "We're pleased to work with industry innovators such as Peopledge and
Peoples Trust to deliver business applications that leverage the prestige and
versatility of the MasterCard global brand." Notes Stefan Grammenz, VP Key
Account Management with MasterCard Canada.

For further information: Peopledge, John F. Cummings, President & CEO,
T: 1-888-331-8527; People Trust, Gerry Serratore, VP Marketing, T: (416)
640-4230; MasterCard Canada, Stefan Grammenz, VP, Key Account Management,
Telephone [phone]