Fintech

Verizon Wireless’s decision to prevent Google from providing its Wallet mobile payment app on the new Galaxy Nexus smart phone, has not gone unnoticed in Washington.

Banks supporting campus card programs linked to prepaid accounts believe their ties with college-age consumers are meeting the goal of building future loyal customers by giving them basic payment tools and a financial education they can carry on as their start their careers after graduating.

In the evolution of Near Field Communication-based mobile payment technology, 2011 was a big leap forward for NFC handset distribution. But experts are stopping short of calling it an unqualified watershed year in NFC development.

Banks have been much maligned for nickel-and-diming their customers, but in another area–cardholder fraud protections–they are being praised as consumer champions.

Persuading consumers and merchants to shun the traditional way to pay and accept payment for goods and services using plastic remains Dwolla Corp.’s chief goal. But the company also is working to plug some holes in its service.

Anxious to see signs of growth after the recession’s chilling effect on borrowing, the credit card industry may be relieved to see Discover Financial Services reporting an uptick in credit card purchase volume for its fiscal fourth quarter.

VeriFone Systems Inc. has defied the headlines decrying gloom over the European debt crisis by enjoying continued growth in the region while continuing to expand payment-terminal installations rapidly in Latin America.

Mobile wallets have turned into vital payment tools for consumers in many African nations thanks to M-Pesa. Hoping to take advantage of this trend, Western Union Co. is expanding its mobile funds-transfer service to Tanzania to accommodate users who also subscribe to Vodacom’s M-Pesa mobile wallet.

Mobile wallets have turned into vital payment tools for consumers in many African nations thanks to M-Pesa. Hoping to take advantage of this trend, Western Union Co. is expanding its mobile funds-transfer service to Tanzania to accommodate users who also subscribe to Vodacom’s M-Pesa mobile wallet.

Someday, such a thing as an alternative payment no longer may exist.