Alan Rimm-Kaufman blogs about an interview he had earlier this week with Benjamin Ling, Product Lead for Google Checkout. According to Rimm-Kaufman, "Ben was quick to point out that (in his view) Google Checkout isn’t a payment type, but rather a checkout process. It wraps actual payment types (Visa, Amex, Mastercard, Discover); more payment types are possible. PayPal and BillMeLater were mentioned in this regard."

Jennifer Davies writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune about the installation of new contactless card readers in the concession stands at Petco Park. “I've been wondering what the real motivation for this is,” said Bruce Cundiff, research analyst with Javelin Strategy & Research, of the contactless credit card. “Maybe this is a Trojan horse. It's the idea of moving the market beyond the magnetic strip.”

Andy Peters writes for the Fulton County Daily Report that The Home Depot Inc. has hired the lead outside counsel for Visa USA, Morrison & Foerster partner L. Richard Fischer, to help it win federal approval for its proposed acquisition of EnerBank USA of Salt Lake City.