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Eager fans can now buy the Usher Raymond IV debit MasterCard, endorsed by financial backing corporation, Bankfirst, and the first celebrity debit card of its kind.
'Usher's got his own debit card, that's great stuff,” the Atlanta-based entertainer said. 'This is about empowering my fans.'
'This allows (younger fans) to utilize a card to make purchases,' said MasterCard senior vice president Bill Mathis. 'With the Usher Raymond IV Debit MasterCard, Usher's fans have a great way to connect with their favorite entertainer and business entrepreneur, all while enjoying the payment flexibility enabled by a MasterCard card.'
Usher cards are reportedly priced at $9.95 plus a $10 activation fee and are tailored to appeal to the singer's young fans, who may not qualify for a credit card, hold a checking account, or have a low credit history. The cards are also covered by MasterCard (if they are lost or stolen) and can be 'reloaded' with funds as necessary.
The pre-paid card stores money in an account that can be accessed for purchases, bill payments, direct deposit from an employer or ATM withdrawals and will also provide exclusive access to 'The World of Usher,' which offers concert tickets and discounts on fan merchandise such as posters, T-shirts and key chains.
Cards will also be available for sale on Usher’s website and at concert venues for the singer's upcoming tour which begins August 5th.
'I'd love to sell 2.5 million cards in the first week,' Usher said.
Fans will also appreciate that the plastic plate is covered with a photo of the R&B crooner’s face and the solitary word 'success.'
While Usher, 25, wouldn't reveal what his profit will be, he called the arrangement a 'partnership,' implying that he'll get a cut of the sales.
'I just felt this was the right time to step up in the business world...I'm all over the place, music is just one facet of my career,' he added.
'This past year has been a year of real growth and change for me, so I felt that this was the perfect time for me to step it up in the business world,' the performer said in a statement. 'As an entertainer, I make music for everyone, and I wanted the same mindset to apply to all my business ventures. That's why I'm so excited to work with MasterCard to launch the Usher Raymond IV Debit MasterCard which will financially empower people.'
After a 10-year presence on the R&B scene, Usher is one of the biggest stars in the music industry. He's sold 25 million albums since launching his career and his latest album, 'Confessions,' broke records with sales of more than by 1.1 million copies in its first week.
The debit card is part of Usher's bigger plans to expand beyond recording and performing and into business ventures. He has already launched his record label and film company with plans of an upcoming movie production (see MTV Films Says 'Yeah!' to new Usher movie.)
Joi C. Ridley
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