Fleet, Compaq join forces to offer "smart" keyboard

PHILADELPHIA – Talk about a perfect match. Fleet Credit Card Services, a subsidiary of FleetBoston Financial, and Compaq Computer Corporation will offer Fleet’s newest Fusion smart Visa credit card with Compaq’s latest Presario 5000 and 7000 Series desktop PCs featuring an innovative Smart Credit Card Internet Keyboard. Fleet’s new, red Fusion smart Visa card, coupled with the Compaq Smart Credit Card Internet Keyboard, will provides consumers the first integrated smart card and reader solution, which can result in increased security, convenience and value when using the card. Powered by a 32K microprocessor chip pre-loaded with three applications – payment, secure access and loyalty programs- the new Fusion card can also access Fleet’s online account management, allowing customers to pay their bills, track purchases, set account alerts, request balance transfers and more. In addition, consumers can also enroll in the Fusion Rewards Program, which will allow them to shop at major participating online merchants and receive up to 15% cash back. “Compaq is a market leader in the PC industry. Always the technology innovator, they were the first to launch an internet keyboard and are now the first major PC manufacturer to integrate a smart card reader into their keyboards,” said Jay H. Lee, senior vice president at Fleet Credit Card Services. Gemplus, a provider of smart card-enabled solutions, is supplying its chip and reader technology for the initiative. Consumers who purchase a new Compaq Presario PC will be able to apply for the new Fusion card by simply pressing a dedicated hot button on the keyboard that takes them to the “Smart Credit Card Zone,” a portal where an online application for the card and smart Visa online merchants can be found. Presario PCs featuring the Compaq Smart Credit Card Internet Keyboard are currently available at retailer locations throughout the United States.