American Express Company (AXP)’s Prepaid Cards, Mastercard Inc (MA) & Visa Inc (V)’s Antitrust Settlement

Editor’s Note: Related tickers: Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA), Visa Inc (NYSE:V), American Express Company (NYSE:AXP), Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS)

Visa, Mastercard Deals Inked At Expense Of Class, Court Told (Law360)
A slew of companies objecting to a $7.25 billion antitrust settlement in multidistrict litigation over Visa Inc (NYSE:V) and Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA)‘s interchange fees claimed Friday that several retailers who inked separate deals with the credit card companies may have done so at the expense of the class. The National Association of Convenience Stores and the other named plaintiffs who have opposed the broader antitrust settlement asked the court overseeing the case to force the retailers to turn over their own deals with Visa and MasterCard, saying that…

Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA)

Mastercard Inc : MasterCard Announces New Appointments for IndoChina, Thailand and Myanmar (4-Traders)
Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) today formally announced the appointment of Antonio Corro as country manager of Thailand and Myanmar, and Arn Vogels as country manager of IndoChina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia). Based in Bangkok, Corro will focus on driving the country’s expansion strategy for Thailand and Myanmar. Corro will also continue to lead Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA)’s growth in Myanmar by leveraging opportunities in both the retail and tourism sectors through Myanmar’s close links with Thailand.

American Express Targets New Card for Video Game Players (LowCards)
In an effort to attract new and younger consumers, American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) has launched a line of prepaid cards in association with the online video game, League of Legends. The new prepaid cards contain illustrations of League of Legends characters, and are accompanied by a rewards program for Riot Games, the makers of League of Legends. There is no cost to play this very popular game, but players purchase “Riot Points” in order to gain access to characters and additional features, both of which help improve their gamesmanship.

4 Best Credit Cards That Offer Free Extended Warranty In 2013 (DailyMarkets)
Why is it that your expensive smartphone or fancy watch breaks the very day after the manufacturer’s warranty expires? Maybe you’re afraid of this happening to you, so you purchase a pricey extended warranty to give you peace of mind. But, is it really worth spending huge amounts on an extended warranty when access to a free extended warranty is sitting in your wallet? I’m going to let you in on something: Visa Inc (NYSE:V), Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA), Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS), and American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) cards offer warranty protection for items purchased with their credit cards – and it’s free!

Visa Receives “Outperform” Rating from Zacks (V) (MideastTime)
Visa Inc (NYSE:V)‘s stock had its “outperform” rating reaffirmed by Zacks in a research report issued to clients and investors on Tuesday, American Banking News reports. They currently have a $2.00 price objective on the stock. Zacks‘ price target would indicate a potential downside of 98.87% from the company’s current price. Zacks‘ analyst wrote, “Aura officially launched in Canada and Europe. Initial sales commenced in Q1.

Membership Rewards Drive Long-Term Growth (Fool)
Companies have long offered incentives to consumers in an effort to drive revenues and help the bottom line. Buy one, get one free, buy three tires get the fourth for free, etc… For over 160 years American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) has dedicated itself to offering its customers superior service that has allowed the company to build its reputation as a leader in the financial industry. Today the company’s 102.4 million card holders which generate over $888 billion in annual purchase volume on American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) cards, bolstering the company top line.

Beware of the pitfalls of public WiFi (MinutemanNewsCenter)
Ever notice how many people walk down the street completely engrossed in their smartphones and tablets? I fully expect to see one of them to walk into a light post one day. Although it’s great having access to email, social networking and online shopping anywhere, anytime, such convenience comes with a certain amount of risk, according to Jennifer Fischer, Head of Americas Payment System Security, Visa Inc (NYSE:V) “Unless you’re hyper-vigilant about using secure networks and hack-proof passwords, someone sitting at the next table – or halfway around the world – could be watching your every move online and stealing valuable personal and financial information right off your device,” says Fischer.