Payments

The dark cloud that was the lost Costco card portfolio didn't garner a mention during the American Express 2017 fourth-quarter earnings call Thursday — the first time in many quarters that this was the case.

As mobile commerce matures, consumers are getting more accustomed to the process of populating a shopping cart from a smartphone's screen. It's a process that could translate well to brick-and-mortar stores.

The P-to-P payments service promises to clear transactions in near-real time, but many consumers have complained that they have been unable access their money or even open accounts. Zelle has acknowledged the delays and says they are a result of its rigorous enrollment process.

Providing the default card in digital subscription services is one way banks can win back bill-pay business, save customers time and help them manage their data.

The move comes at a time when banks are becoming more aggressive in acquiring or investing in financial technology companies.

The central bank is beginning to consider the possibility of a “digital dollar,” which will foster more efficient and transparent payments.

Even as more retailers dropped out of the Plenti multi-merchant loyalty program this month, the faltering American Express program does not represent a death blow for such collaborations.

With merchant services provider Cayan firmly under its umbrella, Total System Services is prepared to venture deeper into retail acquiring and processing through Cayan's omnichannel Genius platform.

Debt transfers, dining rewards and easier security are all ways to enhance relationships with consumers are card options proliferate in a competitive environment, writes Thomas Donaldson, senior credit specialist at CompareCards.

Dynamics Inc. has been committed to bringing high-tech multi-account cards to market for years, but it's tough to sell banks on pricier plastic in the age of mobile wallets and e-commerce.