* Press Release
* Source: Visa Inc.; VISA Canada
* On Wednesday August 12, 2009, 12:00 pm EDT

Companies: Visa, Inc.

<< Visa payWave technology offers convenience and the security benefits of chip >>

TORONTO, Aug. 12 /CNW/ – Visa Inc. (NYSE: V – News) announced today in Canada that Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd. is the latest company to join the growing roster of Visa payWave(TM) contactless payment enabled merchants. Visa payWave allows consumers to simply “wave and go” when stopping for their favourite Blenz beverage.

“Visa payWave makes everyday transactions faster and more convenient,” said Mike Bradley, Head of Products, Visa Canada. “It’s exciting to see one of British Columbia’s largest coffeehouses offering Visa payWave to its customers.”

“We’re excited to have found one more way to help our customers to enjoy their day. With Visa payWave, they’ll see fewer and quicker line-ups and they can pick up their beverage and be on their way with just a friendly wave”, says George Moen, President, Blenz.

Fifty-three Blenz locations in British Columbia will be equipped with Visa payWave terminals that can help increase speed at the cash register, which is an important consideration for quick service restaurants.

The deployment of Visa payWave-enabled Visa cards and point-of-sale terminals is closely aligned with Visa’s migration to chip card technology in Canada. Visa employs a layered approach to its fraud prevention efforts, including technology on the card itself as well as on Visa’s processing network to help heighten security efforts.

About Visa Inc.

Visa operates the world’s largest retail electronic payments network providing processing services and payment product platforms. This includes consumer credit, debit, prepaid and commercial payments, which are offered under the Visa, Visa Electron, Interlink and PLUS brands. Visa enjoys unsurpassed acceptance around the world and Visa/PLUS is one of the world’s largest global ATM networks, offering cash access in local currency in more than 170 countries.

About Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd.

Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd. is a premium retailer of handcrafted coffee, tea and other innovating and delicious specialty beverages. All of Blenz’ beverages are made in-store from only the highest quality ingredients available. Blenz’ commitment to serving a great cup of coffee, providing and excellent customer experience, and providing world-class training, has fuelled Blenz’ growth from its inception. Blenz operates a network of over 100 franchise locations in British Columbia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and the Philippines.

For further information

Carla Morin, Visa Canada, (416) 860-8850, camorin@visa.com
Sarah Van Lange, Fleishman Hillard, (416) 645-8173, sarah.vanlange@fleishman.ca