*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.

Share:
More In Business
Starbucks’ Change Flushes Out a Debate Over Public Restroom Access
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
Trump Highlights Partnership Investing $500 Billion in AI
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Load More