All articles tagged with #payment methods
Microsoft’s Xbox Store now supports Google Pay and Apple Pay as new checkout options, active in select regions. Apple Pay appears mobile-only, Google Pay works on PC as well, enabling faster purchases during sales with availability varying by region and device.
iOS 26.4 lets adults in a Family Sharing group use their own payment methods for purchases, ending the long-standing requirement to share a single payment method; children still use the organizer's method, and the change aims to simplify sharing of content and subscriptions with a public rollout expected next week.
Bovada Casino is highlighted as the top online casino for poker in the U.S. in June 2025, offering a wide variety of games, mobile access, secure banking options, and excellent customer support. The article also reviews other top casinos, bonus offers, game types, and safety tips, emphasizing the importance of licensing, game fairness, and responsible gambling tools for a safe and enjoyable online gambling experience.
Target will stop accepting personal checks as of July 15 due to low usage, joining other retailers like Whole Foods and Aldi. The move reflects a broader decline in check usage, driven by the rise of digital payment methods and increased check fraud.
eBay will stop accepting American Express payments from August 17th due to high transaction fees, urging for more competition and regulation in the credit card industry. Amex disputes the claim, noting its fees are comparable to other cards accepted by eBay.
Cash discounts are becoming more common, with a 60% increase since 2015, though they still account for only 3% of cash payments. These discounts typically range from 2% to 4%, potentially exceeding credit card rewards. Businesses offer cash incentives to avoid credit card processing fees, which are 2% to 4% per transaction. While credit cards offer fraud protection and ease of tracking expenses, paying with cash or debit cards can save money, especially when surcharges are applied to credit card transactions.
A tweet criticizing Gen Z for paying with credit cards and closing out on every round at bars has sparked a debate about bar-tab etiquette across different countries. While some Americans find it unusual, others argue that it is common practice in many parts of the world. TikToker Haley Horton, who has lived in the UK, explained that paying for drinks after each order is how it's done everywhere else. Bar tabs are more common in the US, while in Europe, customers often pay in the moment or receive a check at the end of the evening. The discussion highlights cultural differences and has become a topic of discourse on social media.
The Mackinac Bridge Authority in Michigan has announced that it will no longer accept Canadian cash for toll payments starting in October. The decision is due to the unattractive exchange rate and the cumbersome processing operation involved. The authority charges $8 Canadian for the $4 U.S. toll, and the current exchange rate is $1 Canadian for about $0.76 U.S. As a result, most travelers already prefer to pay using cards rather than cash. The authority generates significantly more revenue in U.S. currency compared to Canadian cash, and the toll for Canadian cash is higher due to the exchange process.
Check fraud tied to mail theft is on the rise nationwide, with thieves targeting government relief checks during the pandemic. The U.S. Postal Service is vulnerable, and thieves who intercept checks can change the amount and drain funds from bank accounts. To protect yourself, use payment alternatives like online options or electronic payment apps, and consider using credit cards for transactions. If you must send a check, take precautions such as using a secure envelope, sending it directly to the post office, and using a black gel ink pen. If a check goes awry, contact your bank immediately, file a police report, and monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
Spotify is no longer accepting payments set up through Apple's App Store as a form of payment for its Premium service. Users who subscribed through Apple's in-app purchase system will be switched to the Free, ad-supported tier at the end of their current billing cycle. This change is likely due to Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases, which resulted in Spotify users being charged an extra $3 per month. Users can now subscribe to Spotify Premium using a credit card or PayPal.
Google Wallet is undergoing a compact-focused redesign that removes unnecessary space and allows for quicker access to stored payment methods. The carousel has been tweaked to show cards one behind another with an NFC symbol and bank name, and the empty space below the carousel has been removed. The redesign is not yet widely rolled out and comes as Google Wallet prepares to support ID cards, digital car keys, and transit passes.