Embodiments of the present invention, for example, provide a government stimulus card being issued and managed by a bank and using an open payment network for purchase authorization and payments. The embodiments provide flexibility in the funding of stimulus programs, including no upfront payments by the government and letters of credit from third-party lenders, permitting the government to retain funds until the spending occurs by cardholders. Embodiments provide targeted-spending stimulus by excluding cash payments to consumers, by limiting usage of the card to only targeted merchants, by requiring reports from the bank that document consumer purchases using the stimulus card, and by establishing relationships with merchants to provide a discount for using the stimulus card as payment, advantageously resulting in a greater effect to the economy from government targeted-spending stimulus program. Embodiments also include funding a promotion card on behalf of an entity as part of a promotion program.