Empire first local bank to offer PayPass debit cards

Empire’s holding company, Jefferson City-based Central Bancompany, is offering the MasterCard PayPass payment technology at 12 of its Missouri banks.

The technology allows customers to tap their debit cards on a specially equipped merchant terminal for a quick payment. Signatures are not required for purchases less than $25.

“According to our research, U.S. consumers are using less cash these days,” said MasterCard Global Technology and Operations President Roy Dunbar in a news release. “MasterCard PayPass is a contactless payment feature that provides consumers with a fast and convenient alternative to cash for their everyday small purchases.”

PayPass is accepted at more than 55,000 merchant locations globally, including participating locations of 7-Eleven, CVS, McDonald’s and Regal Entertainment Group theaters, as of the second quarter.

Empire Bank is based in Springfield and has 14 locations in southwest Missouri.