Canada Credit Cards Systems
July 10, 2010 by
Filed under Canada Credit Cards
Although the concept of credit card use is similar from one country to another, there are also differences in law and payment systems. When looking at the Canada credit card system, we see that the new federal Code of Conduct for the Credit and Debit Card Industry in Canada that was established to protect consumers was insufficient. Numerous country officials to include the former Secretary of State, former TD Bank Chief Economist, and a top economist consultant are thankful for the law in that it is a step in the right decision. However, for the law to work in the way it was intended, it would need to become mandatory and all associated penalties would need to be better understood.
Keep in mind that the Canada credit card system for payments is operated primarily by two companies in the United States, both of them being unregulated. Of course, Canadian officials strongly agree that both of these US companies need to be held to Canadian regulations for reasons pertaining to consumer protection, as well as for systemic risk. Although not something that most people recognize, Canada credit card use and the current payment system both pose risk to the country’s financial system.
Look at it this way, if one or both of the companies in the United States were to fail, the entire Canada credit card payment system would be put at serious risk. In addition to putting the country’s economic growth at jeopardy, it would also cause Canada to go into a full-fledged recession. For this reason, Canadian officials want to see two unique options that would better regulate the payment system for Canada credit cards.
While this continues to be a challenge for Canada, the country still offers a wide range of credit card types from which consumers can choose. In addition, many of the Canada credit cards are offered from reputable issuers, those that work hard to design features and services that would benefit consumers most, and credit cards with the lowest interest rates possible. One of the leading issuers of the Canada credit card is MBNA.
This particular company has gone to great lengths to ensure every customer’s security and privacy. For one thing, MBNA’s website uses the latest and most innovative encryption technology so consumers can enjoy the benefits of the online services. With this technology, all information is protected. In fact, if a customer with a MBNA Canada credit card were to find any type of fraudulent charge on the card, this issuer guarantees to do the right thing and make appropriate changes. With this, those charges would not be the responsibility of the cardholder.
This issuer of the Canada credit card also uses a real-time fraud detection system, capable of monitoring consumer accounts literally 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. With this system, accounts are monitored for suspicious transactions. A few of the other benefits that come from an MBNA Canada credit card include the MasterCard Zero Liability feature in which the consumer would not be responsible for unauthorized purchases, Card Verification Code, a three-digit code required for online purchases to be made and something only the cardholder would know, and Chip and PIN. With this last feature, all Canada credit cards through MBNA were converted to this technology, making both credit and debit cards even more secure.