MasterCard International today reported some statistics regarding online card debit growth in the first quarter -- however, its press release didn't include statistics on overall debit payment volume growth. It did provide some specifics on regional growth in various regions including reporting an 8.3 percent increase in debit cards issued worldwide.

The Chicago Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has released an issue of its monthly Chicago Fed Letter addressing bank implementation of Check 21 (PDF).

The Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (the Check 21 Act) was designed to facilitate technological innovation by accelerating the transition to electronic check processing. Yet, in adopting Check 21-related processing, banks must also appropriately identify and mitigate potential risks associated with this new federal law.

Visa USA has announced an enhancement to its Visa TravelMoney product adding reimbursement coverage for lost or damaged luggage.

"Visa continually looks for ways to offer cardholders added value in their payment choices," said Todd Brockman, senior vice president, prepaid products, Visa USA.

"When consumers hit the road, they want to travel with confidence and peace of mind. Not only do Visa TravelMoney cardholders have a payment product that can be used at millions of merchant and ATM locations worldwide, they also know that their belongings will be protected during the journey."

Visa TravelMoney is a prepaid, reloadable card that offers cardholders a better alternative to travelers cheques and cash. Travelers can load funds to the card in person, by phone or online, through a checking account, credit card or debit card, and use the card to make purchases at millions of travel, entertainment and retail merchants worldwide - anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Visa TravelMoney cards can also be used to withdraw local currency at Visa/PLUS ATMs.

Eileen Alt Powell reports for the AP on increases in the minimum monthly amount due on credit card bills.

Under pressure from federal regulators, credit card issuers are raising the minimum payments consumers must make on their monthly bills. In the long run, it's good for consumers because it means they'll pay down their balances faster, so they'll pay less in interest. But in the short run, consumers already struggling to keep up with minimum payments on several cards could feel squeezed.

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Note: This posting is updated regularly throughout the day.