Latest news with #Discover
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Thoma Bravo explores $3 billion-plus sale of software firm Apryse, sources say
By Milana Vinn (Reuters) -Buyout firm Thoma Bravo is exploring a $3 billion-plus sale of Apryse, after receiving interest from potential buyers of the document processing software provider, people familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Thoma Bravo is working with investment bankers at Lazard on the sale process, said the sources, noting interest had already come from other private equity firms. As part of any deal, Thoma Bravo may decide to retain a minority stake in Apryse, the sources said. They also cautioned that no sale was guaranteed and spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential deliberations. Thoma Bravo declined to comment, while Apryse and Lazard did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Denver, Colorado-based Apryse provides document processing technology for developers of mobile and computer applications, allowing them to create, edit, and convert digital documents, as well as integrate such capabilities into their own applications. Its customers include Novartis, Wells Fargo and DocuSign, according to its website. Apryse generates more than $100 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and is growing more than 20 percent annually, the sources said. Any deal is expected to value the company at 30x its EBITDA or higher, the sources added. PDFTron, the previous name of Apryse, was founded in 1998 as a document processing technology platform. It was acquired by Thoma Bravo in 2021, with the investment led by the co-head of Thoma's Discover platform, Hudson Smith. The company was renamed as Apryse two years later. Silversmith Capital Partners and the company's management team have remained minority shareholders in the business. Apryse has completed nine add-on acquisitions to expand its functionality and global reach since Thoma Bravo acquired the company. These include Netherlands-based digital document processor TallComponents, which was announced earlier this week, and AI-powered software maker Lead Technologies, completed last year. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
What Happens to Your Discover and Capital One Cards Now That They've Merged?
Getty Images/CNET Capital One and Discover are officially one company after Capital One's $35 billion acquisition of Discover closed May 18. The deal was initiated in February 2024, when Capital One announced its plans to acquire Discover. Despite the deal closing last week, don't expect any changes to hit your cards right away. Capital One said while it plans to strengthen the Discover network, Capital One cards will continue to use Visa and Mastercard. However, that may change down the line. Experts are split on whether this merger will benefit cardholders. Capital One is the third-largest credit card company, and Discover is one of only four credit card networks, along with American Express, Visa and Mastercard. Some experts worry this could lead to less competition among credit card companies, pushing up prices for people. But the merger could also give Discover the financial backing it needs to really compete with Visa and Mastercard. Some policymakers suggest the two companies have a duopoly on the credit card network market. More competition could lead to lower swipe fees -- fees charged to merchants to facilitate card payments -- which could then be passed along to cardholders. What's next for Capital One credit cardholders? In an FAQ Capital One shared with CNET, the company states it will continue to use the Visa and Mastercard networks while it puts money toward strengthening Discover's payment network, which currently has a lower acceptance rate overseas than Visa and Mastercard. So, your Capital One credit cards may one day run on the Discover network, but it likely won't happen anytime soon. If this happens, your card's acceptance rates, perks and rewards may change. In an April news release, Capital One said no changes will come immediately. If any changes do occur, your card issuer will alert you ahead of time so just watch for communications. Will Discover credit cardholders see changes? Discover emailed existing cardholders earlier this week, letting them know that their cards are now a part of Capital One. The email said that customers could still log into their credit card account at and that their rewards, accounts numbers and benefits would remain the same, for now. The only real change in the short-term is to the cardholder agreement. This contract has been updated to reflect an agreement between the account holder and Capital One, rather than Discover. What does the future hold for Capital One and Discover credit cards? In JD Power's annual customer satisfaction study of card issuers, Discover and Capital One rank highly in customer service so customers shouldn't expect any new hardships now that the deal has closed. It's possible these two credit card brands may merge their cards and benefits or change existing perks but that's all speculation. There's nothing that existing Capital One and Discover cardholders need to do right now. Your cards will continue to work as they have and any changes will be communicated to you before they take effect.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
7 Ways Choosing the Right Bank Can Help Stretch Your Social Security Further Each Month
You worked hard for your Social Security benefits, so it's natural that you'd want to make the most of them. One way to do that is by selecting the best bank to help you hold onto more of your money. Here are top ways choosing the right bank can help you stretch your Social Security dollars further each month so you can focus on living your best life in retirement. Trending Now: Read Next: The average checking account earns just 0.07% interest, according to the most recent FDIC data and the average savings account doesn't do much better at 0.41%. Banks with high-yield accounts can more than double your interest earnings on checking and multiply your savings interest by a factor of 10 or more. For You: Banks have just a few ways to make money and charging fees is one of them. Depending on your bank, you might be paying fees for: Monthly account maintenance Overdrafts Using out-of-network ATMs Ordering checks Letting your account balance dip below a certain level Making debit card purchases while traveling outside the U.S. Selecting a bank that doesn't charge these fees can easily save you $100 per year and it could save you much more. Banks get notice of your impending Social Security check before the funds arrive for direct deposit into your account. Banks that offer Early Pay credit your account when they receive the information, so you can access your money up to two days before the deposit arrives. If you're on a tight budget, getting paid two days early could help you avoid overdrafts, late payment fees and other expensive consequences of running out of money before your next check lands in your account. Opening a new account can earn you hundreds of dollars in bonus money. You'll have to meet certain requirements to qualify, but some banks make it easy. Capital One, for example, is offering a $250 bonus for new 360 Checking customers who set up and receive at least two direct deposits of $500 or more within the first 75 days. The account also checks other boxes, because it has no fees and no minimum deposit or balance requirements. Most people know that many credit cards offer rewards you can redeem for statement credits, travel discounts and other perks, but you might not be aware that debit cards can provide similar benefits. Discover and PNC are perfect examples. Discover's no-fee checking account debit card pays 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in purchases each month. PNC's Purchase Payback program earns users cash back on purchases from partner businesses, including local ones such as gas stations. Personal finance experts usually recommend paying yourself first — put some money toward savings before you pay bills. Banks that let you automate saving by scheduling regular transfers from your checking account to your savings account make it easier to save so you can take advantage of the higher interest rates savings accounts provide. Adhering to a budget forces you to spend mindfully and in the process, avoid impulse purchases and other wasteful spending. Ally is one of a number of banks offering free budgeting tools to help you plan and stick with a budget. In this case, it's a 'bucket' system that lets you create categories for expenses and savings goals. Whether Social Security is your primary source of income or 'fun money' that supplements your retirement savings, it makes sense to stretch it as far as you can each and every month. The best banks help you do just that by providing high-yielding no-fee accounts with money-saving rewards and tools to help you manage your finances. More From GOBankingRates 4 Housing Markets That Have Plummeted in Value Over the Past 5 Years 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From in Retirement Sources FDIC,' National Rates and Rate Caps.' This article originally appeared on 7 Ways Choosing the Right Bank Can Help Stretch Your Social Security Further Each Month
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
$78,000 salary, 30 credit cards, over 1 million points: How a 33-year-old social worker hacks finances with just his memory?
In a modest townhouse in Riviera Beach , Florida, a quiet revolution in travel hacking is unfolding. David Do , a 33-year-old social worker earning $78,000 a year, has racked up over a million credit card points—not with spreadsheets or a financial advisor's playbook, but with intuition, memory, and a deeply personal mission to live well, travel far, and spend smart. While others hoard air miles like heirlooms or consult Excel sheets like sacred texts, Do keeps his arsenal of 30 credit cards tucked in plastic sleeves inside a binder—an homage to childhood Pokémon binders, perhaps, but with much higher stakes. Each month, he doesn't just juggle due dates and rewards categories; he orchestrates them. 'I don't use spreadsheets. I go by memory,' Do told CNBC Make It , as casually as someone might remember their coffee order. And yet, since 2017, this casual approach has bought him travel across 33 countries and counting, all while remaining debt-free. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Homens acima dos 40 anos estão comprando esse óculos militar Óculos Max Saiba Mais Undo Raised on Frugality, Driven by Memory Do's mastery over his financial life doesn't come from an MBA or a course on personal finance—it's rooted in his upbringing. His parents, Vietnamese refugees, modeled frugality as a way of life. Dining out was rare, wants were weighed against needs, and every purchase was questioned. 'They were always like, 'We can't afford that right now,'' Do recalls. 'But they were being smart. They always lived below their means.' That mindset became his own financial compass—one that helped him graduate from college with minimal debt and start life without the burden of lifestyle inflation. You Might Also Like: Immortality or irony? Biohacker spending $2 million a year to defy death has one chilling message for his haters iStock Do's mastery over his financial life doesn't come from an MBA or a course on personal finance—it's rooted in his upbringing. From Grief to Purpose: A Career Forged in Compassion Do's journey hasn't been without hardship. Toward the end of college, his brother passed away—a loss that shook his sense of direction. He moved back home to West Palm Beach, finding refuge with his family and eventually enrolling in a master's program in social work. After accumulating around $50,000 in student loans, he set a goal: repay them fast, invest wisely, and live on less. By 2020, just five years out of undergrad, he had wiped out his debt entirely. In 2021, he bought a $182,000 townhouse with a modest 3% down payment—timed just right to benefit from historically low interest rates. His mortgage, insurance, and HOA fees now total around $1,875 a month. For South Florida, that's a steal. The Art of the Swipe: How Do Plays the Credit Card Game Dining out in March? That went on a Discover card with 5% cash back. Train tickets? A travel card from Capital One. Amazon shopping? Swiped on a Chase Amazon Prime card. This is Do's subtle genius—he knows the reward structures of each of his 30 credit cards like a second language, using them not just for purchases, but for leverage. You Might Also Like: Self-made Rs 5000 crore man has one word for businessmen: 'Bechara'. From employees to investors, 'Har Dil Maange More' 'I time new cards with big expenses,' he explains. 'If I know I have to pay for car insurance or taxes, I'll sign up for a card that offers a big bonus.' These carefully choreographed decisions are what led to his over one million credit card points . And he isn't hoarding them in hopes of first-class champagne or hotel penthouses. Do travels budget—economy class, modest stays, and calculated redemptions. It's not just about indulgence. It's about experience. 'My goal is to hit 35 countries by the time I'm 35,' he says. His next adventure? A jaunt through Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia—a route that reads more like an Instagram travel influencer's dream than that of a soft-spoken social worker from Florida. Living Modestly, Dreaming Big In March 2025, Do's budget tells the story of a man who knows how to spend without excess. From investing nearly $1,000 into his 401(k) to managing healthcare costs for both himself and his mother, every dollar seems to serve a purpose. And yet, there's still space for pleasure—almost $900 went toward entertainment and tax prep, and nearly the same amount was spent on food, mostly dining out. But even in indulgence, Do ensures his money works for him. With about $250,000 saved across investment and cash accounts, Do is working toward a unique version of financial independence known as 'Coast FIRE'—where enough is saved that, with compound growth, he could theoretically retire on schedule even if he slows his work pace in the coming years. A Million Points, and a Life in Balance David Do's story isn't just about free flights or clever swiping. It's about carving a life of freedom and fulfillment within the constraints of an average salary. In an age where debt is common and travel often feels out of reach, Do is a rare figure: someone who has mastered the system without letting it master him. 'I want to contribute as much as I can to retirement, but also live a fulfilling life,' he says. 'And with my job being flexible, I think it's giving me that opportunity.' Indeed, for a man who trades points for plane tickets and spreadsheets for instinct, it seems that fulfillment is just another carefully plotted journey—one reward point at a time.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why a major change at US's biggest credit card provider could make it harder to use your plastic abroad
Capital One has acquired its rival Discover after final approval from regulators — but experts warn the merger could cause headaches for customers traveling abroad. The $35.3 billion takeover — which will create the US's biggest card issuer — was initially under scrutiny from the US Department of Justice over antitrust concerns. However, the DOJ said it would not challenge the deal, and both the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, a banking regulator, signed off on the merger. While the merger will be a major boost to Capital One's customer numbers it also gives the bank control of Discover's payment processing network — a rival to services offered by Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Payment processors serve as intermediaries between merchants and card issuers — and take a small cut of every purchase. Until now, Capital One has relied on Visa and MasterCard networks, which are widely accepted worldwide. One major drawback for consumers is that once Capital One cards shift to Discover's network — less common outside the US — travelers could face limited payment options, according to experts. 'In most cases in the US, Discover is more or less accepted everywhere that Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are,' Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree, told Fortune. 'Where you may run into more issues is with international travel because Discover may not be as widely accepted.' Although most Capital One cardholders will be moved over to the Discover network over time customers' cards and accounts remain the same as they were before the deal, a joint statement said on Monday. The firms reassured consumers that any future changes would be communicated to them clearly. 'Capital One intends to continue to offer Discover credit card products as Discover-branded cards alongside the other consumer cards currently offered by Capital One,' the statement added. Capital One CEO Richard Fairbank previously said he expected to move over 25 million Capital One cardholders and over $175 billion in Capital One purchase volume on to the Discover network by 2027. 'This injection and volume in the network will help Discover be competitive with the leading network.' Capital One is the nation's ninth-largest bank by total assets, with 259 physical branch locations, 55 'Capital One Cafes' across the country and a major online banking operation. Discover Financial, meanwhile, is a mostly online bank with a single physical branch in Delaware. If the merger goes through, Capital One would be the largest card issuer in the country based on outstanding credit card loans, becoming even larger than JPMorgan Chase Another key element of the merger is how it could affect competition within the payments network space. There is a possibility the merger reduces competition among issuers, and progressive Democratic lawmakers have long fought against bank consolidation, arguing it increases systemic risk and hurts consumers by reducing lending. New research from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found that larger credit card issuers charged higher interest rates and annual fees than smaller banks, due to a lack of competition. 'Anytime there's more consolidation and less competition, there's always the possibility for rates and fees to increase, but I don't see it being a huge issue,' Schulz said. He argues, however, that the deal could in fact make the payment processing space more competitive, challenging the dominance of MasterCard and Visa. This could lead to better rewards on credit cards for consumers as issuers compete for customers. 'One thing that will be interesting to watch is how the credit card rewards programs are blended together,' Schulz added. 'Capital One will have to decide how they handle Discover miles and if they keep those two rewards programs separate or if they bring them together, and that decision will impact consumers.'
