INTERAC(R) Offers Tips to Ensure a Smooth Online Shopping Experience this
Holiday Season

TORONTO , Dec. 10 /CNW/ - Just in time for the holiday season, Chapters.Indigo.ca, and Roots.com are some of the latest online retailers to begin offering INTERAC Online, a payment service that allows Internet shoppers to pay for goods or services directly from their bank accounts.

From books and music, to games and electronics, to clothing and accessories, and even groceries and charitable donations, INTERAC Online is available at a wider variety of retailers than ever before this holiday season. INTERAC Online allows consumers to do their holiday shopping online from the comfort of their own home or office while paying directly from their bank account.

"Canadians are increasingly turning to the Internet for their purchases and as high users of debit, many will also be turning to INTERAC Online for secure and reliable payments," said Caroline Hubberstey, Director, Public and Government Affairs, Acxsys Corporation, whose shareholders are the architects of the INTERAC network.

For those who prefer to hit the Internet instead of the malls to do their holiday shopping this season, INTERAC offers a few tips to ensure an enjoyable online shopping experience.

    
    1.  Shop Securely

        Keep your card data secure. With INTERAC Online, your personal
        financial information remains secure because the payment service is
        integrated with online banking. When you're ready to checkout, you
        are re-directed to your financial institution's trusted online
        banking website to make the payment from your existing bank account.

    2.  Look for Deals

        Look into whether your favourite retailers offer email alerts or
        newsletters about upcoming specials to keep you informed of good
        deals. Many retailers also have Twitter accounts and Facebook pages
        that are also great resources for online deals.

    3.  Confirm the Fit

        Check if the merchant has a sizing guide. A sizing guide will provide
        you with the various measurements to help you decipher how the
        different fits compare, enabling you to select the best option and
        reduce the need for returns.

    4.  Ask about Services

        Enquire about special holiday offers or services, such as gift
        wrapping, to save you time. Most websites also offer 'wish lists' so
        your friends and family can suggest items they might like to receive
        this holiday.

    5.  Check Shipping Deadlines

        Review the shipping information listed on the website and take note
        of shipping timelines to make sure your package arrives in time.
        Shipping timelines will vary based on the destination and method of
        delivery. Many Canadian websites ship to consumers worldwide allowing
        you to avoid a trip to the post office for distant loved ones.

    6.  Review Policies

        Review return policies carefully before making a purchase and keep
        original boxes and labels in case you need to return the product.
        Many retailers allow online purchases to be returned in store, so ask
        for a gift receipt if it is available.

    7.  Keep Record of Transactions

        Print off and keep a confirmation of your transaction for your
        records, in case there are any discrepancies and you need to track
        the purchase.

    How INTERAC(R) Online Works

    The INTERAC Online service is secure, convenient and easy-to-use because
it works with the consumer's existing web banking service. Consumers who are
registered for web banking services with a participating financial institution
can use the INTERAC Online service in just a few easy steps:

    -   When checking out on a merchant's e-commerce website, select the
        INTERAC Online payment option;
    -   Select your financial institution;
    -   Log onto your trusted web banking site using existing login ID and
        password;
    -   Select your account to process payment;
    -   Confirm the payment (you are logged out of online banking and
        automatically redirected back to merchant's website);
    -   Print confirmation page for future reference and proof of purchase.
    

INTERAC Online is currently available to customers of BMO Bank of Montreal , RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank, and TD Canada Trust. More information about INTERAC Online and a complete list of merchants can be found at www.interaconline.ca.

About Acxsys Corporation

Acxsys Corporation, comprised of eight large financial institutions as shareholders, is headquartered in Toronto , Ontario. Acxsys specializes in the development and operation of new payment service opportunities as well as consulting and management services in the field of electronic payments. The Corporation's shareholders are the architects of Canada's national network for shared electronic financial services: INTERAC Direct Payment, Canada's national debit card service and INTERAC Shared Cash Dispensing Service for cash withdrawals at Automated Banking Machines. For more information, please visit www.interac.ca.

(R) Trade-marks of INTERAC Inc. Used under licence.

For further information: Tina Romano, Acxsys Corporation/Interac Association, [phone] or [email protected]