Its amazing but about 10 million people in this country can’t or won’t get checking accounts or credit cards according to the U.S. Treasury Department and are labeled “unbanked.”  As you might imagine, a large percentage of those folks are minorities living at or below the poverty level.  Realizing the existence of this vast group of people, Hip Hop Tycoon Russell Simmons saw a market and lucrative business opportunity which inspired him to launch UniRush Financial Services of New York, providers of the RushCard, a prepaid Visa/debit card for the “unbanked.” But for Simmons its not just about the business and making money, he’s talking access, inclusion and empowerment.

“Everything that we do comes from hip-hop culture, which is the expression of people who are struggling,” he said. “I’m doing something the banks should have done. The banks looked at the people in the face and did not see enough money in their eyes to pay attention to them.”

The RushCard is a secure way to manage your money with the protection of Visa’s Zero Liability policy. There are no check cashing fees and users can make purchases and pay bills anytime-online or over the phone.

Highbrid Nation’s Sister company Highbrid Outdoor recently partnered with Russell Simmons’ Rush Card on an awareness campaign to help give financial empowerment and access to “unbanked” New Yorkers.  Using video screens inside Highbrid Outdoor’s fleet of nearly 500 commuter vehicles throughout the city Rush Card has been running a short informative video (similar to the excerpt shown below) designed to educate the public about the importance of having financial access, credit and why its no longer acceptable to bank “under the mattress.”

For more information on the Rush Card or to apply for your own visit Rushcard.com or call 1-866-993-RUSH and be sure to entire the Highbrid exclusive promo code “Go Rush” and receive a $5.00 credit when you sign up.