Evan Schuman reports for eWeek about what he calls a "surge in active support [by merchants] of alternative payment methods" and suggests that perhaps the credit card companies should be worried about the trend.

American Express has announced the launch of "three new special occasion Gift Cards: The American Express Gift Cards Especially for Dining, Especially for the Bride and Groom, and Especially for Movie Lovers."   » Continue Reading

I4 Commerce has announced that Zappos.com has begun using its Bill Me Later payment service that includes flexible financing opportunities for customers such as no payments for 90 days.   » Continue Reading

MasterCard Worldwide and USA Technologies have announced that "six of America's most prominent vending companies are installing e-Port(r) cashless payment technology on their vending machines to accept MasterCard PayPass cards and devices."   » Continue Reading

Lightbridge and Payment Services Interactive Gateway Corp. have jointly announced a non-binding letter of intent whereby Lightbridge plans to acquire all of the outstanding shares of PSiGate of Mississauga, Ontario.   » Continue Reading

• Fundtech and VASCO Successfully Protect U.S. Banking Sector
• Personal Finance Expert Jean Chatzky Teams With Visa USA to Promote Financial Education
• Transaction Wireless Enters Into First Processor Licensing Agreement With Secure Payment Systems for Wireless Gift Card Technology
• Cybertrust is Certified as PCI Security Standards Council Approved Scanning Vendor
• First Data likely to remain intact, employees told