Western Union and Pago Fácil have introduced a Visa-branded prepaid card in Argentina, developed in partnership with Pomelo. The launch is part of a wider effort to expand digital money-movement options in the country. The product allows recipients of remittances or loans to access funds through a digital account rather than collecting cash in person, a shift intended to reduce reliance on physical currency and support safer transactions.
The companies said the initiative aligns with a long-running presence of Western Union in Argentina, primarily through Pago Fácil locations, and reflects a move towards integrating financial technology into established distribution networks. According to representatives from Western Union and Pago Fácil, the decision to collaborate with Pomelo was influenced by the flexibility of Pomelo’s platform and its cost structure, as well as previous professional experience between the teams.
Main features of the new prepaid card
The prepaid card allows users to receive money directly into an account, make payments both online and in person, and manage spending without needing a traditional bank relationship. It can be obtained through Western Union’s local network, which the companies expect will support adoption among users who usually handle cash.
Pomelo officials said the company’s role involved customising an end-to-end technical solution for the launch. This included card issuance and processing capabilities, transaction authorisation tools, and integration with the Visa network. Pomelo also provided BIN sponsorship, enabling the product to enter the market without the need for Western Union or Pago Fácil to secure their own licences.
Additional support included the development of customised fraud-prevention measures, reporting tools aligned with operational requirements, and assistance with regulatory processes. Representatives from Pomelo noted that these components were intended to allow Western Union and Pago Fácil to focus primarily on distribution and commercial deployment while Pomelo managed infrastructure and operational scalability.
