With Payrexx digital: VERD, the fair Swiss payment card, goes online
VERD.cash, the non-profit payment method of the VERD cooperative, is now also usable in Swiss e-commerce. Payrexx integrates VERD pro bono into its payment solution, thereby opening approximately 7,000 Swiss online shops for payments with the orange VERD card.
Sheila
Matti
«VERD is like a toolbox», says Christian Wohlwend, founder and initiator of the VERD cooperative, «and with the tools contained within, anyone can generate money for their own village.» Andrea Bargetzi, managing director of VERD.cash, speaks up: «The payment method VERD.cash is precisely one of these tools. Every payment with VERD.cash generates money, which is later distributed via the VERD cooperative. This way, projects are funded and investments are made in vibrant villages and neighbourhoods.»
Für Nutzer:innen
VERD verhält sich wie eine Prepaid-Debitkarte: im Laden kontaktlos bezahlen und online die Kartendaten eingeben – mit einem entscheidenden Unterschied. Die erhobenen Gebühren gehen nicht an anonyme Netzwerke, sondern fliessen über die VERD-Genossenschaft zurück in lokale Projekte, in die Dörfer und Quartiere. Genossenschaftler:in kann man beim Bestellen der kostenlosen Karte werden, indem man einen einmaligen Betrag von 5 Franken bezahlt.
Für Händler:innen
VERD zeichnet sich durch niedrige Transaktionsgebühren aus: Im Ladengeschäft bezahlt man pro Zahlung nur 0.6 Prozent – deutlich weniger, als bei anderen Zahlungsmitteln. Zudem stärkt VERD das lokale Profil von Geschäften, Restaurants und Hotels. Wer VERD akzeptiert, unterstützt sichtbar regionale Werte – und erreicht eine Kundschaft, die bewusst gemeinnützig bezahlt.
In recent months, VERD has notably gained momentum: Over 400 cards have been activated, more than 2200 transactions conducted, over 140,000 EUR deposited into card accounts, and around 100 businesses now accept VERD. The online launch is the next logical step.
Entry into E-Commerce thanks to exclusive partnership
Together with the Thun-based payment provider Payrexx, VERD.cash will in the future not only be available in village shops but also online. Through integration into all products and services of Payrexx, around 7,000 Swiss merchants will have access to VERD.cash and can allow their customers to pay with the orange card. To support the charitable concept of VERD, Payrexx will also cover all costs incurred and complete the entire integration pro bono. For online payments, the transaction costs are only 0.85%.
«VERD und Payrexx haben viele Gemeinsamkeiten: Beide Unternehmen wollen kleine und mittlere Unternehmen unterstützen, beiden liegt die Region am Herzen und beide möchten einen Wandel im traditionellen Zahlungsbusiness herbeiführen. Eine Zusammenarbeit war für uns deshalb nur logisch.»
Ivan Schmid
Gründer und CEO Payrexx
According to Christian Wohlwend, it makes sense for VERD to tackle the online trade as early as possible: «A vibrant village needs vibrant businesses, and many village shops already have an online store nowadays. This way, they can offer their products and services regardless of opening hours.» Through integration into the Payrexx network, regional businesses could increase their visibility. «Moreover, it’s also about self-determination», emphasises Andrea Bargetzi, «users should be able to decide for themselves how or where they shop. No one should be forced to go into a store to support their village.»
