In May 2009, FINCA's affiliate in Mexico--one of the leading microfinance institutions (MFI) in the country--began a pilot test of the “Cheque Inteligente” prepaid card, offered in partnership with HSBC, a leading commercial bank in Mexico.

The prepaid card offers more flexibility, convenience and security than traditional paper checks. Clients save valuable time and money by accessing their loan through ATMs, correspondent banking agents, such as Telecomm centers, and point of sale (POS) terminals in supermarkets and other merchants throughout Mexico.

The prepaid card is also a useful money management tool, enabling clients to draw down their loans as needed, instead of having to do so all at once. Despite the advantages of the card, knowledge gaps and adverse attitudes can present obstacles to the successful uptake of card-based services, particularly among clients with little previous exposure to ATMs and merchant POS.