Five At Five: Uber Tests Memberships

Five at Five: Payments News

Welcome to Five at Five, your late look at the day’s payment and commerce news. Today’s coverage includes the latest retail program from Uber, and the details behind Apple’s price increases. Waymo tests self-driving vehicles, Even Financial ventures into credit cards and there is pushback on a U.K. tech tax.

Uber Tests Membership Program Ride Pass

The ride-hailing startup said Ride Pass is a new way for riders to lock in a consistent, low price on any ride they take anywhere in the city, at any time of the day, for a fee of $14.99 a month.

Apple Mac, iPad Prices Balloon by 20 Pct

The higher-priced strategy is the same one the company used to strengthen its iPhone business.

Waymo Debuts Autonomous Vehicles in CA

Waymo’s test cars will be driving in parts of Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Palo Alto. The company noted that Mountain View, which also happens to be Waymo’s headquarters, is home to more than a dozen autonomous vehicle companies.

Even Financial Buys Birch Finance, Ventures Into Credit Cards

San Jose-based Birch offers a mobile and web application that helps users find the right credit cards.

UK Facing Pushback for Tax on Tech Companies’ Revenue

The U.K. is facing pushback by lawmakers in the U.S. and lobbyists, who contend a new tax on some of the world’s biggest internet companies would create what is seen as a dangerous precedent.