First Data Corp. has announced that it is adding support for JCB to its VisionPLUS card processing system. The updated software will allow FDC's VisionPLUS customers to issue and acquire JCB cards.

Melbourne's Herald Sun reports on the launch by Travelex of a dynamic currency conversion system that allows travelers in Australia to pay by credit cards in their own currency. With the new system, revenues from currency conversion fees that used to go to the card issuers are now split between Travelex and participating merchants.

Matt Hines reports for CNET News.com on the resurgence of micropayments.

Separately, BitPass has announced that it has raised $11.75 million in Series B financing from Worldview Technology Partners, Steamboat Ventures (the venture capital arm of the The Walt Disney Company), RRE Ventures and others. James Robinson III, former Chairman and CEO of the American Express Company and a General Partner at RRE Ventures, will join BitPass' Board of Directors along with Peter Goettner, Venture Partner, Worldview, and John R. Ball, Managing Director, Steamboat.

Melbourne's Herald Sun reports on a new credit card surcharge of 1 per cent that the discount supermarket chain Aldi has begun imposing on Visa, MasterCard and Bankcard credit card purchases at its stores in Australia. Previously, Aldi only accepted cash and EFTPOS.

MSNBC's Bob Sullivan reports on the upcoming implementation of Check 21. READ MORE »