Today in the Connected Economy: GoTab, Mastercard Team for Easier Checkouts

mastercard, HSBC, B2B, Mastercard Track Card to Account Transfer

Today in the connected economy, restaurant commerce platform GoTab works with Mastercard on a tool that eliminates the need to manually enter card details at hospitality venues. Plus, BlackBerry sees a boom in new business from its embedded automobile software operations, while non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace OpenSea works with MoonPay to allow direct credit card payments for customers who want to buy NFTs.

GoTab, Mastercard Partner to Enhance Digital Checkout

Restaurant commerce platform GoTab has joined forces with Mastercard to eliminate the need to manually enter card details at U.S. hospitality venues. Dubbed Click to Pay, the new feature is designed to give consumers a more convenient and secure checkout experience across devices and channels. Created using secure remote commerce industry standards, the tool simplifies checkout and makes it safer to check out online without the need to recall passwords or enter card details.

Automakers Enable New Use Cases With Embedded Software

Reporting its earnings this week, BlackBerry said a large and growing proportion of its QNX business — which includes embedded software for automotive applications — comes from uses such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), digital cockpits and autonomous drive. BlackBerry marked 17 new auto design wins during the most recent quarter, including ADAS, digital cockpit and instrument cluster applications created for automakers and Tier 1 suppliers. The company’s design activities include the professional services used by the customers to design BlackBerry’s QNX software into vehicles and other Internet of Things (IoT) end points.

OpenSea Teams With MoonPay for NFT Credit Card Payments

NFT marketplace OpenSea is working with MoonPay to allow direct credit card payments for people who want to buy NFTs, a move that paves the way for investors that don’t own cryptocurrency. The partnership means people wishing to buy, sell, trade and collect NFTs can pay directly with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other methods, without first having to convert to specific cryptocurrencies. Although debit cards are accepted as payment, users will still need to connect to a digital wallet.


Binance Tops PYMNTS’ Provider Rankings of US Cryptocurrency Apps

Cryptocurrency apps in the U.S. have surged in popularity due to factors such as the potential for profit, low transaction fees, and increasing user accessibility. These platforms allow users to trade cryptocurrencies easily, offering a decentralized, peer-to-peer model that reduces reliance on traditional financial institutions.

The ability to buy low and sell high has attracted investors seeking financial gains, while lower fees compared to traditional payment methods make these apps more appealing for online transactions. The increased acceptance of cryptocurrencies by businesses, along with advancements in blockchain technology, security, ease of use, and high liquidity, is fueling the belief that crypto could shape the future of finance.

PYMNTS’ Provider Rankings of Cryptocurrency Apps evaluate the performance of leading platforms based on factors such as user experience, transaction volume, security features and customer service. By analyzing consumer preferences and industry trends, these rankings provide insights into which apps are best meeting the needs of cryptocurrency users, and highlighting the platforms that offer the most reliable, user-friendly and innovative services.

The Top 5

No. 1 is Binance with 98 points.

Founded in 2017, Binance offers a range of services for new and experienced investors. The platform supports over 350 cryptocurrencies, including popular options like bitcoin and ethereum, along with niche altcoins. This variety, combined with high liquidity, ensures users can quickly execute transactions with minimal price slippage.

A key feature of Binance is its competitive fee structure, which includes discounts for paying with Binance Coin (BNB), making it attractive for frequent traders. The platform also provides advanced trading tools, such as charting and real-time data, and offers margin and futures trading. Its user-friendly interface, including a mobile app, makes it accessible to traders of all experience levels.

Security is a top priority for Binance, with multi-signature wallets, two-factor authentication (2FA), and a Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) protecting funds and personal information. Binance also offers staking, lending and savings options for passive income, appealing to long-term investors.

No. 2 is Bybit with 91 points.

Bybit is accessible in over 180 countries and offers an intuitive mobile app that provides most of the desktop version’s features, making it convenient for users to manage their crypto investments anywhere. With access to more than 1,200 cryptocurrencies, Bybit allows users to buy, sell, and trade with ease, while offering up to 100x leverage for experienced traders looking to maximize potential profits.

Additionally, Bybit offers Bybit Earn, a feature that allows users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings. This range of services and tools caters to beginner and experienced traders, making it a popular choice in the crypto space.

Tied for second with 91 points is Crypto.com.

Based in Singapore, Crypto.com offers a wide range of services including an app, exchange, DeFi wallet, and NFT marketplace, providing access to over 350 cryptocurrencies. The Crypto.com app allows users to buy, sell and track cryptocurrencies with more than 20 fiat currencies, offering features like price alerts, recurring buys, and TWAP bots to optimize trading. Users can also earn interest on their holdings, spend crypto through the Crypto.com Visa Card, and receive up to 5% cash back on purchases.

For more advanced traders, Crypto.com’s exchange supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, with spot, margin and derivatives trading options. It offers low fees and discounts for those who stake its native token, CRO. The platform also includes automated trading bots and emphasizes security with 2FA.

KuCoin and Coinbase round out the top five with 83 and 76 points, respectively.

Nos. 6-10

Checking in tied at No. 6 with 74 points is HTX and OKX.

Nos. 8-10 comprise MEXC, Blockchain.com, and BTCC with 65, 62, and 54 points, respectively.