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News Roundup

This is a roundup of news that I have come across during the day. Here you can read about why you should never put novelty souvenir stamps on your passport, how credit card companies select you for special offers, a new digital checkout experience powered by Amex, Discover, Mastercard and Visa, Americans paying an extra $577 annually in fees and other expenses, and The Maldives is now open to all global tourists.

Never Put a Novelty Souvenir Stamp in Your Real Passport

Antarctica offers a stamp at some of its scientific stations, Machu Picchu offers a stamp at the entrance of the Inca ruins, and the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch in Wales offers a special stamp you can put in your passport at one of its shops. Except you shouldn’t. At least not in your actual passport.

How credit card companies select you for special offers

You’ve probably received special preapproved credit card offers in the mail from your card issuer or other companies. Sometimes you might toss them in junk mail pile to be quickly recycled. Other times they land in your mailbox at just the right time, whether you’re looking for a balance transfer offer or hoping to earn extra rewards by taking advantage of a welcome bonus.

Amex, Discover, Mastercard and Visa to Power Global Expansion of New Digital Checkout Experience

American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa announced they are each beginning technical preparations for global expansion of the Click to Pay online checkout – based on the EMV® Secure Remote Commerce industry standard – in additional geographies including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, with others to follow.

Late fees, overdrafts and even fraud cost Americans an extra $577 annually

Late fees, overdraft fees, fraud expenses and other similar costs are a serious expense for many people. These often overlooked costs add up to an additional $74 billion per year. The average household spends $577 a year on these extra costs, with the biggest part of it being due to low credit scores.

The Maldives is now open to all global tourists

As of July 15, this island nation in the Indian Ocean is reopen to international tourism and, perhaps remarkably, very few strings are attached. Global travelers — US citizens included — will not have to enter into a mandatory quarantine upon arrival at Velana International Airport in the capital, Male. Nor will they need to produce proof they have tested negative for coronavirus. There are also no new visa requirements or additional fees to pay.