Credit

Fitch Ratings said U.S. credit card defaults slid in September to a two-and-a-half-year low, continuing a downward trend as the economy heals, according to Dow Jones.

More than half a year after the centerpiece protections of a sweeping overhaul of credit card regulation took effect, portfolio yields appear to have stabilized at their highest levels in two decades.

First National Bank of Omaha, which for many years has kept a relatively low profile as one of the nation’s largest privately held credit card issuers, this year is churning with activity from an unprecedented growth streak.

As the global economy continues its uneven recovery, MasterCard Worldwide is aiming to continue driving growth by targeting affluent customers and mainstream audiences in emerging economies around the globe, Ajay Banga, MasterCard’s president and CEO, told analysts Nov. 2 during a conference call to discuss the company’s third-quarter earnings.

MasterCard Inc. on Nov. 2 reported strong third quarter international purchase and transaction volume as the card brand continues its international push with the global expansion of its debit, credit and prepaid cards.

As if the payments industry has not faced enough difficulty with new regulations and the fallout from a poor economy, a new study now links card use to obesity.

The National Cards Group and the Association of Banks in Malaysia have joined in launching an educational campaign informing consumers about the potential consequences of credit card debt.

MasterCard Inc. this morning reported net income of $518 million for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, up 14.6% from $452 million during the same period last year. Net revenues rose 5.1%, to $1.43 billion from $1.36 billion.

Heady growth in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and Latin America made for a strong third quarter for France-based point-of-sale equipment maker Ingenico S.A.

American Express Co. is sweetening the perks it offers travelers with its new Blue Sky Preferred credit card introduced Nov. 1.

The outcome of Tuesday’s Election Day results could have meaningful implications for the card industry, including affecting the odds of credit card interchange legislation emerging next year, analysts at New York-based equity firm Keefe, Bruyette & Woods said in a report released Monday.

VeriFone Systems Inc. says its PayWare Merchant managed service for large retailers, petroleum marketers and hospitality companies is now available in Europe.

Western Union Co. is rebranding Custom House, an international business-payments provider it bought last year, and is planning to expand the unit into new markets, the funds-transfer company announced Nov. 1.

International Business Machines Corp. is zeroing in on the payments industry as part of a revamped banking technology strategy.

TCL Corp., a China-based mobile-phone manufacturer, has inked a deal with China UnionPay in which the companies will provide mobile handsets that support payment functions, the companies announced earlier this month.

AT&T Inc. has signed partnership agreements with three mobile-payment companies that enable its wireless customers to charge online purchases for such digital content as games and music directly to their mobile-phone bills.

MBNA Europe Bank Ltd. will be issuing some 5 million contactless credit cards to its customers in the United Kingdom as part of a two-year initiative the Bank of America Corp. subsidiary announced on Oct. 29.

Residents of Hubli and Dharwad in the Indian state of West Bengal may use credit cards to pay their property taxes through an online tax-payment system set to launch in November.

Apple Inc.’s MFi licensing program for devices designed to work with mobile Apple products has certified Blue Bamboo’s P25-M mobile printer and card reader, the China-based point-of-sale terminal maker announced Oct. 29.

Fifth Third Processing Solutions has signed processing deals with four Hawaii credit unions: Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union, Windward Community Federal Credit Union, The Queen's FCU and Garden Island Federal Credit Union.