The role of EMVCo — which is often seen as an extension of the card brands that deals only with chip-based EMV plastic cards— has come into sharper focus.

Some consumers have decided to stay home as celebrations have been canceled or scaled back to follow social-distancing guidelines.

Tokyo-based payment card network JCB International is positioning itself for post-pandemic tourism growth by signing a deal with 3C Payments to expand payment acceptance in Europe, beginning in Spain.

Goldman Sachs, the card’s issuer, has rolled out a new program in which it will provide personalized advice to consumers with marred credit profiles in hopes of making them customers down the road.

Amex is offering cash rewards on a global scale for customers who shop at small businesses that are trying to recover from coronavirus lockdowns. The card brand also pledged $10 million to support Black-owned small businesses over the next four years.

The outbreak has completely upended whatever expectations the industry had heading into 2020. Here's key areas that have been shaped by the pandemic, some potentially forever.

Mastercard has agreed to acquire Finicity for a reported price of $825 million, a move the card brand says will strengthen its open banking platform and expand financial services through more real-time access to data.

With Americans traveling less due to the pandemic, the card, issued by Synchrony, is tailoring rewards to everyday purchases, such as groceries. It also has a contactless feature that could appeal to shoppers fearful of touching terminals.

Consumer spending has improved as state lockdown orders are lifted but many continue to hold off on taking trips and entertainment activities.

American Express has named Glenda McNeal, honored by PaymentsSource last year as one of the Most Influential Women in Payments, to its executive committee, marking the first time a Black woman has held that role.