Visa, the credit card company, has made a series of announcements in the mobile payments space, pledging to develop payments software based on Google’s Android platform and announcing a deal to turn Nokia handsets into contactless payment devices. The first set of services that Visa is planning to develop for Android will allow JP Morgan Chase Visa cardholders to receive notifications via mobile about transaction activity; obtain offers from merchants; and use Google mapping technology to locate ATMs or the locations of merchants sending them offers. The service will be available for download on Android-powered handsets by year-end. Visa says it is also developing an Android-based payment application that will enable consumers with Visa accounts to make mobile payments in retail locations nationwide. (more…)

Australia’s department of immigration and citizenship DIAC has said that it would add Bulgaria, Romania and Poland to the list of countries whose citizens can use Australia’s electronic tourist visa system. Most applicants from the three Eastern European countries can look forward to having their visa applications processen within minutes of submitting them, DIAC secretary Andrew Metcalfe said in a statement, initially published on June 16 and re-circulated by Australian immigration consultans Migration Expert on June 30. (more…)

Visa has launched a social networking page on Facebook for small businesses, “Visa Business Network.” The page is to serve as a one-stop resource where small business owners can expand their customer base, manage their resources and exchange ideas. Available video includes soundbites and demonstration footage of the site.

[Source:Visa]