In a press release, Gartner says that "the mobile payment industry will experience steady growth, as the number of mobile payment users worldwide will total 73.4 million in 2009, up 70.4 percent from 2008 when there were 43.1 million users. Gartner predicts that the number of mobile payment users will reach more than 190 million in 2012, representing more than 3 percent of total mobile users worldwide and attaining a level at which it will be considered "mainstream." READ MORE

A report in today's Business Standard (India) titled "Consumers prefer debit cards in slowdown" notes that, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India, consumers are preferring to use debit cards over credit cards. In fact, the number of credit cards in circulation in India actually declined from 28.3 million cards a year ago to 24.6 million cards today.

Western Union has announced results from a new survey finding that "79 percent of consumers favor regulations that place limits on credit card fees, such as interest rates and late payment penalties. Another 60 percent of consumers are strongly in favor of tighter regulations. In addition, 27 percent of consumers reported using cash more often than in the past."

The company also forecasts that, "as The Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act is implemented, businesses will witness a change in consumer spending, with cash and pre-paid cards being a more desirable option among consumers." READ MORE

PayByCash, a subsidiary of PlaySpan, has announced the availability of the PayByCash Code, a pre-paid product for consumers in 180 countries that provides a streamlined way to make Internet purchases. According to the company, "using a PayByCash Code is similar to using a credit-card but without the activation hassles that make store-purchased prepaid cards challenging for many consumer demographics." READ MORE

INSIDE Contactless has introduced the MicroPass 4006 that combines ID and physical access control applications with Visa payWave, Visa’s contactless payment technology. The MicroPass 4006 is designed for next-generation, converged contactless applications on university and corporate campuses, where students, staff and employees can use a single, all-purpose card for branded payment, identification (including biometrics), ticketing and access control transactions. READ MORE

Discover Financial Services has announced the launch of Mobile Reminders -"designed to help cardmembers stay on top of their accounts and help manage debt better. This new service allows cardmembers to have more control over their finances and easier access to their Discover® Card accounts. Discover.com registered users can log in and select to receive any of eight Account Activity reminders via text (SMS) message or email. The Mobile Reminders provide cardmembers with important account information that is sent directly to their mobile device." READ MORE

• CNN: Capital One CEO: Implementation Of Card Law To Cause 'Shock'
• Mobile payments in the UK
• Chase Completes Conversion of 2.9 Million WaMu Accounts in Pacific Northwest
• Rupee Times: mChek Mobile Payment System for ICICI cardholders
• Clearly Contacts Puts Trust in Customers with Invoice Me Later Program
• Liz Pulliam Weston: Banks have declared war -- on you
• Mercury Payment Systems Announces Change in Leadership
• nFinanSe’s "Lucky 777" Program Helps Hard-Working Americans Avoid Costly Check Cashing Fees
• National Review: Credit Cards Don’t Kill Credit Ratings, People Do
• Credit Card Processing Leader, BluePay, Announces Launch of New Website
• CyberSource's McKiernan Named Finalist in Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) Award in Northern California
• Threat Level - Wired.com: Judge Rules LifeLock’s Fraud Alert Service Illegal
• New Aite Group Report: U.S. Bank ATMs: Rebuilding the Foundation