• DALLAS 

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) Finance & Accounting Directorate recently introduced a new way for active Exchange associates to receive their pay: through the U.S. Bank Focus card. 

The Focus Card is a Visa prepaid debit card that is available to all U.S. dollar-paid associates. Instead of receiving a paper check, associates with the card will have their pay loaded onto the card. 

“This is a way of moving away from paper-check payments to associates who don’t have direct deposit capability,” said Exchange Vice President (VP)/Controller Melissa Sexton.  

“For the Exchange, it reduces costs and risks associated with issuing paper checks,” she explained. “For associates, it provides ease and mobility. Cardholders get their pay without having to deposit or cash a check.” 

General Accounting Operations Manager Christa Mace and Accounting Manager Curtis Alexander led the project to launch the card, with support from General Accounting Operations Manager Dwana Harper and Associate Payments Manager Ashley Christensen. 

CARD BENEFITS 

The card can be used to make purchases wherever Visa is accepted. It can be used in-store, online, for person-to-person payments or to pay bills electronically. It can also be used at ATMs or to get cash back at merchants where that is an option.  

If the card is lost or stolen, the funds are protected (the card includes a phone number to report unauthorized use). 

Card users can view their account information online, on their phone or via the Focus Card mobile app. They can also sign up for text alerts telling them when they have received a depositor when their balance gets low. Mobile carriers’ standard messaging charges apply. 

The card also has an interest-bearing savings option and offers cash-back rewards from qualified merchants. 

“The card provides ease for associates who use it,” Sexton said. “Their pay is there, they don’t have to worry about it. They don’t have to watch their mail for a check.” 

Source: AAFES 

Edited by Larry Lapka