The rapid expansion of the Internet in the late 1990's saw online shopping becoming increasingly important. However, a lack of suitable means of payment quickly proved to be a stumbling block for the development of e-commerce. It is precisely this point that was seized upon by the founders of the paysafecard group: The introduction of the paysafecard product in 2000 turned them into pioneers of online payments. Since then, Internet users have been able to pay simply, rapidly and securely in the Internet without the need of bank account details or credit card data.

Following its launch in Austria, the company rapidly expanded into Germany – the largest e-commerce market in Europe. Today the paysafecard group operates in 33 countries worldwide. Alongside the paysafecard product, which has been successful since its launch, the company has introduced a further three payment solutions onto the market – Cash-Ticket, YUNA Card and Happy Schenkcard – and thus developed into the European market leader for prepaid online payment solutions. 

Licences

A subsidiary of the paysafecard group, the Prepaid Services Company Ltd. based in London, Great Britain, holds an e-money licence and a MasterCard licence. Under the terms of these licences, electronic money and MasterCard products can be issued within the EU region.

The e-money licence has been issued by the Financial Supervision Authority (FSA). The issuance of the licence is accompanied by strict requirements and guidelines, which are subject to control on a regular basis.

 

Awards

2009 saw the paysafecard group being awarded with the "Paybefore Award" as "Best Prepaid Company Outside the USA", as well as with the "Prepaid Award" as "Leading Prepaid Organisation 2009".

Memberships

paysafecard group is a member of the following industry associations and interest groups:

• Prepaid Forum Deutschland (PFD)
• Prepaid International Forum (PIF)
• Electronic Money Association (EMA)
• BITKOM Bundesverband Informationswirtschaft, Telekommunikation und neue Medien e.V.
• G.A.M.E. Bundesverband der Entwickler von Computerspielen e.V.
• Principal Member of MasterCard