*By Chloe Aiello*
Amazon is stepping up its game in the fight against Apple Pay, by migrating its own digital wallet off the web and into the real world.
The e-commerce giant is recruiting brick-and-mortar merchants to accept its digital wallet, Amazon Pay, putting it in direct competition with a host of other companies vying for dominance in the burgeoning digital wallet industry, [according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.](https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-pay-accepted-here-web-giant-aims-to-put-digital-wallet-in-stores-1542796827)
Amazon ($AMZN) is reportedly targeting merchants like gas stations and restaurants ー which aren't direct competitors to the tech behemoth. The Wall Street Journal reported that the functionality of the wallet isn’t yet clear, but options for use include enabling users to scan a code on their phones, or tap their devices at check-out ー much like Apple Pay ー among other options. Shoppers can already use their Amazon accounts to check out at select Amazon-owned brick-and-mortar stores, and the company has been experimenting with incorporating Amazon Pay into Whole Foods transactions, [according to the Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/articles/are-you-ready-for-an-amazon-branded-checking-account-1520251200?mod=article_inline).
Digital wallets still aren't widely used in the U.S., and Amazon is looking to jump into the mix early. It faces competition from rivals, like PayPal ($PYPL), Visa Checkout ($V), Venmo and, of course, Apple Pay.
Amazon did not immediately respond to Cheddar's request for comment.
Cheddar News' Need2Know is brought to you by Securitize, which helps unlock broader access to alternative investments in private businesses, funds, and other alternative assets. The private credit boom is here and the Hamilton Lane Senior Credit Opportunities Fund has tripled in assets under management in just six months from November 2022 through April this year. Visit Securitize.io to learn more.
Stocks opened lower after the opening bell and on track for its first decline in 10 days after a recent winning streak.
Tesla drivers in the U.S. were in more accidents than drivers of any other car brand this year, according to a study.
The promise of self-checkout was alluring: Customers could avoid long lines by scanning and bagging their own items, workers could be freed of doing those monotonous tasks themselves and retailers could save on labor costs.
Monsanto was ordered to pay $857 million to students and parent volunteers at a Washington school.
A federal judge has struck down hundreds of lawsuits filed against the makers of Tylenol and generic acetaminophen.
California regulators are preparing to vote on new rules for turning recycled wastewater into drinking water.
Hackers accessed Xfinity customers’ personal information by exploiting a vulnerability in software used by the company, the Comcast-owned telecommunications business announced this week.
Some folks want to leave the cold for a quick getaway. Bobby Laurie, travel expert, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on how and when to look for a winter escape.
Julia Pollak, chief economist with ZipRecruiter, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on navigating a job loss and explain the benefits of working with a recruiter to find new employment.
