We're taking a look back at the major payments-related news stories for 2005. We've examined our archives month by month and have culled the the most important and interesting highlights. We'll be posting each month's highlights over the next few days. Here are the Payments News highlights from April 2005.

Bankrate.com has announced the results of its Fall 2005 Checking Study showing that the fees charged for using the "wrong" ATM have reached an all-time record high. Bankrate.com estimates that American consumers will pay more than $4.3 billion in withdrawal fees during 2005 for using someone else's ATMs. READ MORE »

Visa USA has announced the results of a new poll on consumer payment preferences.

Riva Richmond reports for the Wall St. Journal on the use by banks of new user authentication tools to thwart online identity theft and regulators' concerns.

Robin Sidel reports for the Wall St. Journal on two new credit cards to be announced today by American Express that focus on "courting engaged couples and newlyweds."

Update: Here's the American Express press release announcing these new credit cards.

First Data Corp. has disclosed in an SEC 8-K filing some of the details of a Retirement and Consulting Agreement entered into with former CEO Charles T. Fote as well as a letter agreement with newly appointed CEO Henry C. Duques.

The European Commission has put forward proposals that will bring down existing legal barriers to enable the creation of a "Single Payments Area" in the EU that could save the EU economy €50-100 billion per year.

Note: Throughout the day, as Payments News happens, this post is updated.

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