First Trade Launches FT Pay Mobile Payment & Loyalty App Powered By LevelUp

BOSTON, June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- First Trade Union Bank (First Trade) has become the first full-service bank to introduce a mobile payment and loyalty app, FT Pay.  It is the latest addition to First Trade's consumer offering, which includes paperless online account opening, unlimited ATM rebates, and mobile banking apps for smartphones and the iPad, making First Trade one of the first banks in the U.S. to offer a complete mobile banking experience for consumers. The app is powered by mobile payments network LevelUp and can be used at the thousands of LevelUp merchants nationwide. The new FT Pay app is now available for free download from the iTunes App Store and Google Play.  

FT Pay combines the best of LevelUp's award-winning payment and loyalty platform with First Trade's existing mobile banking applications, giving FT Pay users the ability to pay with their phones at any LevelUp merchant location while unlocking LevelUp credit and exclusive First Trade offers in the process.  First Trade will match the savings from merchant discounts and deposit up to $25 as a new account bonus directly into new customers' FT Checking accounts, while existing bank clients can increase their savings by sweeping merchant credits into their savings accounts.  

"FT Pay breaks new ground in banking by tying First Trade even more closely to consumers and local businesses: consumers earn additional rewards, and merchants have a new channel for attracting and keeping customers," said Seth Priebatsch, chief ninja, LevelUp. "First Trade understands banks need to get creative with technology as their customers' lifestyles get more and more mobile. By being the first bank to offer a custom-branded mobile payment app powered by LevelUp, First Trade is not just keeping pace with banking tech innovation, they're leading the way."

The new mobile payment app integrates with the First Trade Union Bank debit card, and any non-First Trade debit or credit card.  The exclusive FT Pay "Vault" reward feature will continue to benefit businesses in the LevelUp network as First Trade will create ongoing, exclusive offers to drive more loyal customer traffic.

"With FT Pay added to our leading-edge services, First Trade has true end-to-end mobile banking, from deposits, bill payment and funds transfers, all the way through to payment at the register, from your phone," said Michael Butler, president and CEO, First Trade Union Bank.  "We are excited about our partnership with LevelUp, to build off of its innovative mobile payments platform and extensive merchant network, and launch this first-of-its kind mobile payment app. FT Pay delivers rewards consistent with other First Trade account programs, like ATM rebates and no-fee checking, so our customers receive an exceptional experience that adds value and convenience to their lives."

The FT Pay app is available for general consumer usage on any iPhone or Android device.

About First Trade Union Bank

With assets over $600 million, First Trade Union Bank is a well-capitalized community bank offering a full complement of business and personal products and services. First Trade has a long-standing reputation for serving consumers, middle market, small businesses, unions, and government entities as its core clients. With a commitment to adopting the most advanced and secure technologies to provide greater flexibility and convenience, First Trade offers anytime/anywhere banking via mobile device, 24-hour ATM service, and remote deposit. Customers can readily access traditional, personalized branch banking at Banking Centers located in Massachusetts and New York. First Trade is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and is an Equal Housing/Equal Opportunity Lender. For further information call 800-242-0272 or visit the Bank's website at www.ftub.com.

About LevelUp

LevelUp is a revolutionary new way to pay. Users pay with their phone, saving time and money. Businesses pay 0% payment processing fees and re-invest those savings into growing their businesses by attracting new customers and bringing them back. LevelUp is a part of SCVNGR, which is backed by Google Ventures, Balderton Capital, Continental Investors, Highland Capital, Transmedia Capital and T-Venture, the venture arm of Deutsche-Telekom.

Media Contacts
Stackpole & Partners for First Trade Union Bank
Christina Pandapas
[email protected]
339-927-7788

LaunchSquad for LevelUp
Mike Farber or Anna Farnum
[email protected]
617-945-1915

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SOURCE First Trade Union Bank