With analysts touting mobile phones as the future of loyalty and payment card programs, several companies have launched initiatives this year to fill the growing niche. But despite their differences in delivery methods, no one technology has yet to win over another.

With analysts touting mobile phones as the future of loyalty and payment card programs, several companies have launched initiatives this year to fill the growing niche. But despite their differences in delivery methods, no one technology has yet to win over another.

TUKWILA, Wash. — At least one credit union said it is scrambling to ensure mobile banking applications keep running — and a CUSO that supports many CUs stopped testing its applications — after apparently being told that their provider, Firethorn Holdings, LLC, will shut down Sept. 30.

An online video directing college students and recent graduates with debt to contact West Virginia's consumer protection hotline when necessary is being criticized by the West Virginia Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, whose executive director said he's offended by the video.

Cambridge Credit Counseling released its Debt Relief Performance Report on Thursday, the first in a series of disclosures that will serve as the key piece of a new consumer education and public affairs initiative.

LOWELL, Mass. – Jeanne D’Arc CU has launched a new website, called WeShareACommonThread.org, which focuses on area communities and includes information on community events, high school happenings, local history and the arts scene.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Unitus Community CU said it has selected the Interactive Intelligence all-in-one IP communications software suite, Customer Interaction Center, for use throughout its organization.

Western Union Co. is expanding an initiative to enable Kenyan migrants to send funds to recipients in their home country who subscribe to Safaricon’s M-Pesa mobile wallet, the companies announced March 31.

A San Francisco-based company on March 30 announced its introduction of a modular set of software frameworks and applications designed to facilitate deployment of Near Field Communication payments and other contactless services by resolving fragmentation and interoperability issues affecting NFC software and hardware installations.

Google Inc. is joining the NFC Forum, a nonprofit association that sets technical specifications for how businesses use Near Field Communication technology for payments applications and other services.

Gemalto NV is offering a software package for MasterCard Worldwide’s PayPass contactless payment system, the chip maker announced March 30.

The Smart Card Alliance’s transportation council this year plans to continue its focus in support of open-loop contactless transit payment card systems as more cities realize the potential benefits over closed-loop systems, according to an organization executive.

LARAMIE, Wyo. – UniWyo FCU has signed with Jack Henry & Associates to install the company’s My NetTeller, which enables account holders to create customized dashboard-style landing pages of their most commonly used online banking functions.

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines FCU on Wednesday launched its own remote deposit capture system, which will allow members to deposit checks from their home or office.

Citing the proliferation of smartphone Near Fear Communication applications, NFC provider Vivotech Inc. next year plans to conduct an initial public offering of company stock to help boost its ability to build more NFC products and systems, Muhammed Khan, founder and president of Vivotech, tells PaymentsSource.

Bank of America Corp. is looking to hire new executives to lead its retail online and mobile-banking efforts, including those for mobile payments, the company confirmed to PaymentsSource.

Certain effects of the economic downturn have begun to ease, but one recession-hatched trend persists: Cash-strapped consumers continue to show a preference for paying their credit card bills over their mortgages, according to new data TransUnion LLC released March 29.

Central Bank of Nigeria is considering introducing biometric cards in the country to combat ATM fraud, bank Gov. Mallam Sanusi Lamido noted March 24 during the institution’s monetary policy committee meeting.

Imagine a stunned ISO executive standing amid the smoking ruins of a data breach and clutching a six-figure bill for the damages. Visions of such scenes are prompting ISOs to take a keen interest in helping their merchants comply with the Payment Card Industry data-security standards designed to prevent such catastrophes, observers say.

The Smurfs may have an important security lesson for banks and credit card networks getting into mobile payments.