Mercator Advisory Group has published a new report titled "Back To The Future With Alternative And Promotional Credit" that examines the emerging sources of promotional credit, delivered in some cases through new alternative credit providers.

Wells Fargo has announced the launch of the Perfect Receivables service designed to "streamline
and increase the security of business-to-business electronic payments." The new Treasury Management solution is available for both ACH debits and credits, offering fraud risk reduction on both. Wire transfers will be integrated into the service in the near future.

American Express reported quarterly financial results today that included 15 percent growth in cardmember spending, average spending per card up 6%, and the addition of more than 2 million new cards in the quarter. Amex's average merchant discount remained essentially flat at 2.57%.

CyberSource is currently recruiting for a Market Manager, Enterprise Markets, and for a Channel Marketing Manager.

Mall Networks, a company that "connects top online merchants to the universe of consumer rewards programs", has announced it has completed its second round of private equity funding.

Richard Piersol writes for the Lincoln (NE) Journal Star about the experiences of local credit counselors who conclude that "it’s not so much wild spendthriftiness and irresponsible abuse of credit card debt" that leads to personal bankruptcy - rather, "medical costs from health troubles almost always lead to misfortune in employment and loss of income. Then comes bankruptcy." A new report from the Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest titled "Debt Trends in Nebraska" (PDF) examines some of the issues in more detail.

Glenbrook's Carol Coye Benson files this report: I spoke on Friday with Barry Campbell, Director of Business Development for Acxsys Corporation and Interac Online, Canada's "credit push" online payment system.

Bernard Wysocki Jr. writes for the Wall St. Journal about Wal-Mart's efforts to obtain an industrial bank charter in Utah - and the efforts of foes who have been attempting to prevent that from happening.

Peppercoin has announced that several additional merchants have selected its credit and debit card-based loyalty platform.

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