Directo is the service leader in providing customized prepaid payment and pay card programs.
We deliver compensation, payments, or funds to employees, contractors, business partners and vendors cost effectively and at low risk.
Our wide range of customers and partners include employers, banks, staffing firms, payroll providers and associations.
Directo was founded by T. Stephen Johnson in 1998 as an opportunity to offer low-cost banking products to workers who were unable or chose not to have traditional bank accounts. Steve’s vision included making Directo a company that could provide a better life for Hispanic workers who relocated to the United States and their family members back home.
Understanding that many in this workforce were not familiar with payment methods other than cash and wire transfers, Steve identified a gap in the market for this type of service. However, because Steve was ahead of his time, market adoption was slow.
Upon being named CEO, Bob Howe recognized that the company would need to drive growth via other channels to accelerate program. Bob’s solution was to engage banks and payroll companies looking to decrease the hard and soft costs as well as the fraud risk associated with traditional payroll check creation and distribution. Thanks to the persistence of the management and sales teams, Directo was able to introduce its innovative programs to key decision-makers and influencers. By pioneering low-cost technology, Directo delivered programs at extremely low costs ultimately saving both the company and its employees money.
Once they saw the benefits, cost-savings and Directo’s comprehensive implementation processes, companies adopted the company’s programs at an accelerated rate.
Into the new millennium Directo expanded its services to help reduce the cost of payroll delivery and eliminate distribution problems caused by natural and man-made disasters. These challenges drove the increased need for direct deposit programs including the necessary pay card component which Directo introduced to the market.
Directo enjoyed another growth spurt after successfully selling and implementing programs for corporate clients in various industry segments including construction, manufacturing, staffing, quick serve restaurants, hospitality, custodial services, financial institutions and payroll providers.
In its continual efforts to improve both the client and worker experience, Directo conducted extensive market research resulting in refinement of its implementation approach. The result—greater employee participation once a client adopted the program.
Directo’s most recent surge has been fueled by the growing temporary and immigrant work force seeking less costly access to their money. As awareness continues to grow amongst the estimated 40 million unbanked in America, Directo is positioned to support them.
