As of November 16, JN Money Services Limited (JNMS), a subsidiary of Jamaica National Building Society, through an agreement with Student Card Jamaica Limited, will facilitate tuition, exam, book rental and a host of other payments directly to schools through its JN Money Transfer locations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Cayman Islands.

"It's another way of making it easier for our customers overseas to honour their financial obligations in Jamaica and assist their loved ones by simply walking into the JN Money Transfer location closest to them," said Leesa Kow, general manager of JNMS.

Exclusive collection agent

Based on its agreement with Student Card, JNMS will act as Student Card's exclusive collection agent in the overseas markets through its JN Money Transfer operations.

"Parents will be able to make their payments in the same way that we allow customers overseas to pay their water, light and phone bills locally," said Kow. "This part of the agreement will be exclusive to us."

In addition, JNMS will collect bill payments on Student Card's behalf in Jamaica. The service will not cost customers locally; however, it will attract a fee in the overseas market.

Parents can also add money to their children's card at JN branches and Money Shops locally. The cards can be used at point of sale terminals to purchase school items, including lunch, only in the respective schools.

"This new service makes administration and school bill payments easier and more efficient," said Kow, "and it creates a secure and safe environment for schools, as it facilitates a cashless means of doing transactions that would otherwise involve large sums of money."

The Student Card is secure and allows parents to track the spending habits of their children. The card displays the photograph and name of the card owner. Each school is also provided with a secure password to view, reconcile and track student payments.