Jeffrey Green

Acquirers are encouraging vending-machine operators to add card and mobile electronic-payment acceptance, which could represent a whole new category of transactions.

The medical marijuana market once represented a new opportunity for merchant processors, but it dried up almost overnight when the major U.S. credit card networks more or less banned them from processing such sales — even in states where it is legal.

Some 470 7-Eleven Canada stores now host Cardtronics' Allpoint Network surcharge-free ATMs. This deployment extends the Allpoint network into Canada.

ShopKeep POS, a small independent sales organization, is capturing the attention of companies big and small. Earlier this month, it worked with PayPal to test a mobile-payment system, and today it announced plans with Dwolla and SCVNGR's LevelUp.

The traditional payment terminal's future took another hit this week with ShopKeep POS announcing plans to integrate Dwolla and LevelUp mobile payments into its iPad-based checkout system.

Credit unions using Sharetec Systems' data-processing system now have a simpler way for members to enroll in Dwolla's funds transfer service.

Australian consumers and businesses would be able to transfer funds between bank accounts almost immediately, instead of waiting up to three days, through a service First Data is developing with Accenture and VocaLink.

Despite the decisions by some of the leading mobile-payment providers to work within the existing infrastructure, investors are concerned that legacy players' operations soon might become obsolete. And VeriFone is serving as their poster child.

Branch staff may provide credit and debit cards right away to customers under a new instant-issuance service from Fiserv.

ATM maker NCR plans to use its newly announced acquisition of Transoft to strengthen its existing cash-management offering and eventually bring an integrated cash-management service to financial institutions and retailers.

As ShopKeep POS reviews the results of its recent mobile-wallet test with PayPal, it is rolling out a new iPhone app for merchants that use its tablet-based register system.

Elan Financial Services' MoneyPass electronic funds transfer network is extending its surcharge-free ATM coverage to include 2,000 stores through Walmart's MoneyCenter Express machines.

Soon the question every clerk asks at checkout may not be, 'paper or plastic,' but instead, 'mobile bar code or NFC?'

Visa cardholders will be able to receive immediate fashion offers via text message under a mobile-offers test Visa is conducting with Neiman Marcus.

Wright Express, a leading issuer and processor of fleet and other prepaid cards, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Fleet One for $369 million in cash from private equity firms LLR Partners and FTV Capital.

Two organizations whose purpose is to set the specifications and framework for two of the leading emerging-payment types in the U.S. are joining forces to speed up the spread of mobile payments.

Ingenico continues to pursue U.S. market share to capitalize on the breakup of rival payment-terminal maker Hypercom last year, and wireless terminals are a key part of that strategy.

Online marketplace Etsy is putting more marketing muscle behind its PayPal alternative, Direct Checkout, as it waives processing fees this month and makes Direct Checkout a requirement for accepting its virtual gift cards, which launch next month.

Burroughs has acquired Absolute ATM Services and intends to integrate the ATM independent sales organization with its maintenance services and transaction technology operations.

Walmart's recently disclosed test of mobile checkout technology could whet consumers' appetites for a later and more aggressive rollout of mobile payments.