The Retail Gift Card Association and Members Recognized by Paybefore for Industry Service

OKLAHOMA CITY, March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At this month's Prepaid Expo USA, the Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA) was recognized by Paybefore for its work in supporting the prepaid industry during 2012. The Prepaid Expo was home to the 2013 Paybefore Awards, where several RGCA members were also recognized.

"RGCA's mission is about making it easy for consumers to confidently buy and use store-branded cards," said RGCA executive director Rebekka Rea. "Prepaid cards have become the number one gift choice over the last several years, and to have our members consistently recognized by industry experts reinforces their leadership."

"By advocating best-practices and providing leadership through its policies and membership, the RGCA has continued to advance the industry," said Paybefore CEO Marilyn Bochicchio. "The Paybefore Award for Industry Service recognizes both the organization and its members for their commitment to collaborative effort in making prepaid products available to consumers who want them."

The RGCA promotes, educates and advocates the positive attributes of closed loop (store-branded) gift cards.

In addition to the association's recognition, several RGCA members, including Walmart and Starbucks, took home Paybefore awards in the following categories:

• Best Corporate Payroll Card Program: Walmart Money Network Payroll Distribution Service from Walmart and Money Network, A First Data Company
• Best Retail-Based Prepaid Card Program: Walmart Prepaid Card Program
• Best Prepaid Incentive, Reward, Rebate or Loyalty Card Program: Vitality HealthyFood Card from Walmart and HumanaVitality
• Best Virtual or Digital Program: $10 Starbucks Card eGift for $5, LivingSocial Deal from Starbucks, LivingSocial and CashStar

About The Retail Gift Card Association
The Retail Gift Card Association (RGCA) is comprised of and governed by the world's best known retail brands, and provides industry leadership on the latest news, policies and best practices for store-branded gift cards. For more information or to become a member of RCGA, please visit www.thergca.org, follow us on Twitter @TheRGCA, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/retailgiftcards.

SOURCE The Retail Gift Card Association