Xoom has announced the launch of its money transfer service to Mexico and a partnership with HSBC for pickup at any of its 1,300 locations.

“We understand that people work hard for their money and we are excited to launch our safe, cost effective and convenient service to Mexico. HSBC is a terrific partner and is certain to offer our recipients in Mexico the best possible money transfer experience.”, said James Joaquin, Xoom’s President and CEO.

American Express and USAA have announced an agreement to offer American Express and USAA-branded charge and credit cards in the US. USAA will be the card issuer and manage customer relationships, credit management and customer service. The first cards are expected to be issued in the second quarter of 2006.

Separately, American Express announced that it had dismissed USAA from its antitrust litigation against Visa, MasterCard and a number of major US banks.   » Continue Reading

United Airlines and Chase announced today a new United Mileage Plus Platinum Class Signature Visa card.   » Continue Reading

The US Government Accountability Office on Friday released a report on the use of RFID technology by the federal government.

The use of the technology, however, raises several security and privacy considerations that may affect federal agencies’ decisions to implement the technology. Key security issues include protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data and information systems. The privacy issues include notifying consumers; tracking an individual’s movements; profiling an individual’s habits, tastes, and predilections; and allowing for secondary uses of information.

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