The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, the largest public transit system in the southern U.S., announced it has added Purchasing Power, an employee purchase program, as a new voluntary benefit to its employee benefits package. Starting Aug. 18, 2016, MARTA employees can purchase a wide variety of brand name consumer products and quality services through a simple payroll deduction plan regardless of their credit history.

Through Purchasing Power, MARTA employees now have access to 45,000 products and services, including computers and tablets; electronics; home appliances; furniture and mattresses; fitness equipment and sporting goods; nursery and baby gear; musical instruments; vacation packages; automotive service contracts and tires; and educational services including professional certifications, online college courses and SAT/ACT test preparation.  The voluntary benefit program offers employees the convenience of automatic payments over time without the fees, penalties and ballooning interest associated with other payment options.

Additionally, Purchasing Power offers a comprehensive financial wellness platform that provides a holistic approach to financial education and best practices. Employees can access a number of financial tools and resources including a core financial education program, free credit report, alternative credit reporting, and rewards for saving money and paying down debt.

"More and more companies like MARTA are realizing the value of a benefit that helps employees manage their finances in a responsible, disciplined way," says Christy DeFrain, vice president of sales and account management for Purchasing Power. "Our program provides workers the opportunity to purchase valuable products such as laptop computers for students or major household appliances without having to qualify with a required FICO score. Employers are finding that their employees are less financially stressed over revolving credit issues and more productive in return."

Purchasing Power pioneered the concept of an employee purchase program as a voluntary benefit to provide a disciplined budget plan for employees to access products and services. This industry-leading benefit today is available to 7.8 million American workers through companies with 1,000+ employees, associations and government agencies.