Elizabeth Judge reports in the Times Online (UK) on plans by UK card issuers to supply authentication devices to cardholders for use in shopping online.

Barclaycard, the world’s biggest card issuer, revealed to The Times that it had completed trials of the security device. It is in talks with leading retailers to roll out the scheme nationally. Other debit and credit card providers are expected to follow suit.

The Hill is reporting that more than 40 members of the US House of Representatives carried at least $10,000 in credit card debt in 2003 and parts of 2004.

The lawmaker reporting the highest credit-card debt was Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), who noted that in 2003 he had between $80,000 and $175,000 spread across seven credit cards. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, listed five accounts with a total of $75,000 to $250,000 in debt.

Smart Transaction Systems has announced that its gift and loyalty card programs are now compatible with various contactless cards, tags, etc.

"STS is the first of the major gift and loyalty providers to offer contactless card technology. The new offering is compatible with the STS system that is already being used by thousands of merchants. This is an exciting innovation for the market place, and we have been looking forward to the release of this product with a great deal of anticipation," said Kevin Colaco of Paynet Transaction Services, an STS value added partner. "We believe this product will be very successful in providing a solution for companies that need to serve a lot of customers at one time."

POSDATA has announced that it has been certified by Hypercom as an authorized repair service facility.

"We have awarded this designation to POSDATA because of their technical proficiencies, processes and systems. Adding POSDATA to our network of repair facilities will give merchants faster and more streamlined servicing and repair of Hypercom's highly popular and in-demand terminals,” said O.B. Rawls IV, president, Hypercom North America.

Amanda Hodge reports in the Weekend Australian on keystroke logging attacks against online banking customers.

There's little chance the true cost of internet fraud to banks – in stolen funds and the many millions spent staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated hacking scams – will be made public. To reveal the full cost and extent would shatter fragile consumer confidence in a system that is proving increasingly vulnerable to crime.

Nova Information Systems has announced the availability of its dynamic currency conversion solution.

Dynamic Currency Conversion allows international cardholders in the U.S. the option to have their purchases instantly converted at checkout into their local currency. Currency conversion is calculated at a competitive exchange rate, and the U.S. dollar amount, conversion rate, and home currency amount are all printed on the receipt. Merchants, MSP's and other NOVA partners have the opportunity to share in the revenue generated from conversion fees.

MasterCard and Visa have announced that they have reached an agreement to share a common communications protocol and associated testing requirements for radio frequency-based contactless payments at the point of sale.

As part of an initiative to integrate its business practices with environmental responsibility, PNC Bank has announced plans to ensure new bank branches meet U.S. Green Building Council Standards.

"As a bank we recognize the importance of wise investments and that the integration of green principles into our business practices enhances the value we deliver to customers, shareholders, communities and employees," says Neil Hall, CEO of regional community banking at PNC. "Good environmental sense makes good economic sense."

Hypercom has announced the IN-tact 1201, a gateway device that allows existing dial point of sale terminals to be used over IP-based networks.

Business Objects has announced that Visa USA CEO Carl Pascarella has joined its board of directors.

"As a top executive at a large multinational corporation, I know first hand the importance of having the best information at my fingertips to make critical business decisions," said Pascarella.

"Business Objects plays an important role in helping its customers optimize their performance by using information as a competitive advantage. I look forward to leveraging my extensive background to help Business Objects define its future role in the ever-changing business intelligence industry and overall software market."

Sue Stock writes for Delaware Online about the three letter transaction codes used in bank statements and what they mean.