First Data's STAR Network has signed a multi-year agreement with Atlanta-based SunTrust Banks to provide PIN-secured debit point-of-sale (POS) and ATM access to its cardholders.
First Data provides signature debit and credit card processing and production to SunTrust, as well as merchant processing services to the bank’s business and commercial customers.
Through the merchant processing alliance, SunTrust can offer a full suite of electronic payment products and services including credit, debit, check, and gift card programs to its business customers throughout the Southeastern US.
SunTrust has approximately 1,700 retail branches and 2,800 ATMs across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Steve Karp, senior vice president of enterprise payments strategy at SunTrust, said: “Our choice of PIN debit network was based on a client-centric approach to decision-making and required an exhaustive evaluation of the leading providers in the market. Throughout that process, STAR demonstrated to SunTrust its unwavering focus on creating value for their members, bringing best-in-class innovation to the market, and leveraging their talented and committed senior leadership team.”
Kevin Barry, general manager for the STAR Network, said: “Our new relationship with SunTrust is a validation of our commitment to lead the industry with superior customer service and the most innovative products. SunTrust’s progressive view of payments will be a great match for STAR and our members.”