Today in the Connected Economy: Amazon Brings ‘Just Walk Out’ to Houston

Today in the connected economy, Amazon’s expansion of its Just Walk Out technology continues as it brings the frictionless checkout offering to the Houston Astros’ stadium. Plus, Wells Fargo announces a partnership with nonprofit Operation HOPE to improve financial inclusion for the unbanked, and fellow banking giant Santander launches an eLockBox to simplify digital payments for business customers.

Houston Astros Add Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ Tech

Amazon has teamed up with the Houston Astros to bring its Just Walk Out frictionless checkout system to the Texas baseball team’s stadium. The technology is available at the 19th Hole and Market stores at Minute Maid Park, which offer snacks, soda, candy, ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages, and — in the case of the 19th Hole — pre-packaged salads, wine bottles and souvenirs.

Wells Fargo Partners With Operation HOPE to Foster Inclusion for Unbanked

Wells Fargo has teamed up with the nonprofit Operation HOPE to foster financial inclusion and remove barriers to unbanked populations, half of which are made up of Black, African American, Hispanic and Native American/Alaska Native households. The first HOPE Inside centers are set to be launched in the Atlanta, Houston and Oakland markets this month. By the end of 2022, HOPE Inside centers will be expanded to Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and Phoenix, along with Newark, New Jersey; Camden, New Jersey; and Gallup, New Mexico.

Santander Bank Debuts Santander eLockBox to Consolidate Digital Payments

Banking giant Santander Bank has unveiled Santander eLockBox, which consolidates businesses’ incoming digital payments and simplifies electronic receivables management. Customers who use the tool can automate their revenue cycles to save time, reduce costs and access more resources to meet their business needs. “The launch of our comprehensive Santander eLockBox service is a great solution for clients who are ready to simplify their electronic payment processes,” said Santander Transaction Banking Head Ken Deveaux.

Nexo, Mastercard, DiPocket Launch Card Backed by a Crypto Credit Line

Nexo, a Swiss platform offering instant cryptocurrency-backed loans, has unveiled a cryptocurrency Mastercard for some markets in Europe. Nexo Card teamed up with Mastercard and DiPocket, a London-based eWallet, giving customers access to crypto-powered liquidity at north of 92 million eCommerce sites around the world. The card allows users to spend without selling their digital assets.

True North Federal Credit Union Chooses PSCU to Provide Credit and Debit Processing Support

PSCU, a credit union service organization (CUSO), has been chosen by True North Federal Credit Union to handle its credit and debit processing work. Alaska-based True North has been in existence since 1948 and contributes to various civic and nonprofit organizations, while also helping with various recreational and charity events serving local communities.

Brex Launches Financial Software to Speed Business Efficiency

Business FinTech firm Brex has debuted Brex Empower, a software platform designed to increase the speed of businesses and serve as a foundation for the company’s products, beginning with a new spend management tool. Among the companies choosing Brex Empower to increase its speed is DoorDash, which has more than 9,000 distributed employees.