Direct Debit for digital content now possible through FIRSTGATE ClickandBuy®

FIRSTGATE ClickandBuy® introduces Direct Debit to the US market as a new option for purchasing digital content online.

New York, NY (June 24, 2004) – Firstgate ClickandBuy®, Europe’s leading payment system for digital content, now offers a new option to its North American customers who prefer not to give credit card information online. With FIRSTGATE Direct Debit, digital content consumers can buy subscriptions, watch movies, download music, and play games – all through a charge to their bank account.

FIRSTGATE allows digital content, such as streaming media, downloads, and gaming sessions to be commercialized through a secure, easy to use payment gateway.
Many consumers are attracted to digital content offers, but are reluctant to provide their credit card information online. FIRSTGATE sees Direct Debit as a great opportunity for Internet merchants to increase sales and attract new customers.

”It is rewarding to see that our merchants will now be able to reach tens of thousands of consumers who do not own credit cards, or do not wish to use credit cards online”, states Ed Burrell, COO of FIRSTGATE INC. ”In Europe, Direct Debit to checking accounts is the preferred payment means for 70% of consumers.”
But that is not the only way FIRSTGATE Direct Debit can benefit merchants. With Direct Debit (also known as e-checks), funds are transferred to merchant accounts much faster than with credit cards. Merchants have access to sales revenue within days. In addition, FIRSTGATE’s new service is offered at no extra cost merchants or consumers.

ABOUT FIRSTGATE

FIRSTGATE Internet Inc is global payment solutions provider helping more than 2,500 merchants sell online content and services. FIRSTGATE ClickandBuy® is recognized worldwide, signifying security, trust, and ease of use to over 2.5 million registered users. With FIRSTGATE, online purchases are as simple as a ClickandBuy.

Contact and additional information:

Eberhard Dollinger
ClickandBuy International Limited
Lincoln House
137 / 143 Hammersmith Road
W14 0QL London
Telefon: + 49 (0)221 - 4545700
Telefax: +49 (0)221 - 4545721
presse@de.clickandbuy.com
www.clickandbuy.com/DE/en/