Sharon Epperson reports for CNBC/MSNBC on the advantages and disadvantages of gift cards.

People's Daily Online reports that Chinese travelers can now use their China UnionPay cards in Japan.

First Data Corp. has announced that it will take a restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of approximately $0.05 per share related to a reduction of about 3% of its workforce, primarily in the Card Issuing Services segment.

NIST has released Special Publication 800-76, Biometric Data Specification for Personal Identity Verification (PDF), for a four week public comment period.

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has released a new report today concluding that retail banks must find ways to generate sustainable growth -- particularly organic growth -- if they hope to remain viable.

AT&T has announced a $100 Visa Gift Card incentive for new customers who place orders online through www.sbc.com between now and Dec. 31. The Visa Gift Card is issued by West Suburban Bank of Chicago and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

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

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