Direct selling, also called network marketing, relationship marketing and multi-level marketing is a sales method that incorporates the distributor or representative's personal social network. The representatives both sell product and recruit new distributors. Commissions may include a percentage of their own sales, bonuses for new recruits and a percentage of the sales made by the distributors they brought on board. Some famous network marketing brands include Tupperware, Mary Kae and Nu Skin.

Direct selling organizations have found success in recruiting new distributors outside of the United States, in a large number of countries around the world. However, distributing commissions abroad is more complicated than it is within US borders. Direct deposits to a bank account or simply mailing a commission check is relatively simple and problem-free within the United States. But a distributor abroad may have to wait up to 6 weeks before a US check arrives in the mail, and then wait even longer for the check to clear. Direct deposit is not an option without a US bank account. Wire transfers require the recipient to have a local bank account, and usually charge high bank fees, chipping away dramatically at commissions.

There are a number of electronic funds transfer (EFT) services available that are faster, more convenient and less expensive than the traditional methods of checks and wire transfers. The introduction of innovative payment methods has meant that distributors can receive their money more quickly and keep more of it. For example, online payments offer more flexibility and are more cost-effective for distributors who do not have US bank accounts. These methods generally offer an online account or "wallet" where money can be deposited and spent. OR This can be useful if the distributor uses the online account for making online purchases with cooperating suppliers.

However, cashing out payments from online wallets can be complicated and can become as cumbersome as using the traditional payment methods.

An innovative method now being offered by leading direct selling organizations are payments direct to co-branded prepaid debit cards such as MasterCard and Visa. The cards are extremely popular with the brand-loyal distributors, allow easy cash-outs from ATMs or spending any where that accepts the debit cards, and do not require a US bank account or credit check. The direct selling organization transfers the funds to the card accounts, and the money is then instantly accessible online, at shops and restaurants or at ATMs. Furthermore, if issued by a US bank, the card accounts are FDIC insured and often offer protections against unauthorized purchases.

By incorporating co-branded payment cards into their payout processes, direct selling organizations have found a way to turn around the cost and hassle of international payments into a cost-effective, easy marketing tool.