Western Union, MasterCard and Lottomatica launch Italian prepaid card

Western Union, MasterCard and Lottomatica, a gaming solution provider, have announced the launch of a reloadable prepaid card in Italy.

Western Union, MasterCard and Lottomatica, a gaming solution provider, have announced the launch of a reloadable prepaid card in Italy.

The My WU prepaid card is intended to serve over 4m migrant workers registered in Italy. The card is designed to provide financial services to unbanked customers, allowing them to send money, receive payments, make retail purchases in shops and online outlets that accept MasterCard and withdraw money from ATMs across Italy.

Diane Scott, executive vice president and chief product and marketing officer at Western Union, said: "The launch of the My WU card in Italy is part of our global strategy to leverage our wide-reaching, powerful and trusted brand – along with brands such as Lottomatica and MasterCard – to better serve the financial needs of our core customers around the world.

"Through the Western Union Global Share platform, we look forward to continuing to develop innovative solutions that address the unmet financial services needs of customers worldwide, while adding more choices and convenience."

The card is available from 15,000 Lottomatica Carta Lis locations across Italy and online. Customers can also reload the card at 22,000 locations and 10,000 ATMs throughout the country.

Carlo Enrico, group executive of strategy and development at MasterCard, said: "We view the introduction of this service in Italy as a significant advancement in our joint efforts to support financial inclusion around the world."