Latest news with #Viva
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cash Advance Apps No Credit Check Provide Relief as Online Loan Approval Rates Decline in 2025
HOUSTON, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As traditional borrowing channels become more difficult to access for millions of Americans, mobile-based cash advance apps are emerging as one of the most sought-after alternatives for short-term financial support in 2025. Viva Payday Loans, a US based online loan connection platform, reports strong year-over-year growth in demand for mobile lending options that do not rely on credit scores or lengthy paperwork. About Viva Payday Loans Viva Payday Loans is a US based online cash advance service that helps consumers find access to regulated short-term lending options. The platform connects users to licensed lenders through a single, secure, and mobile-friendly application process. Viva Payday Loans does not charge users to apply and does not perform hard credit checks to display available loan offers. This trend reflects a larger shift in consumer behavior, where speed, accessibility, and flexibility are increasingly prioritized over conventional banking criteria. 'Borrowers today are looking for solutions that align with how they live and work—digitally, independently, and without rigid credit requirements,' said a spokesperson for Viva Payday Loans. 'We're seeing consistent demand from individuals who may not qualify for traditional loans but still need fast access to emergency funds.' Cash Advance Apps Gain Momentum Across the U.S. Mobile cash advance apps which connect borrowers with short-term lending options are quickly becoming a mainstream solution for users with limited or no credit history. These platforms typically rely on soft credit checks and focus more on current income and financial activity, rather than past borrowing behavior. Among the key reasons users are turning to cash advance apps in 2025: Speed: Most applications can be completed in minutes, with funds disbursed same-day in many cases. Accessibility: Accepted income sources often include freelance work, gig economy earnings, or government benefits. Convenience: The process is fully online, secure, and requires no in-person visits. Viva Payday Loans Role in the Mobile Lending Landscape Viva Payday Loans serves as a digital gateway, helping users navigate a growing ecosystem of licensed, short-term lenders across the U.S. Through a single online form, borrowers are matched with potential lenders based on their state, income, and requested loan amount. While Viva itself does not issue loans, its platform is designed to streamline access and promote informed borrowing decisions. The service is free to use and does not require a hard credit inquiry to view available offers. Loan amounts typically range from $100 to $5,000, depending on state regulations and individual qualifications. Growing Need for Flexible Financial Solutions The evolving nature of work in the U.S. from remote jobs to gig-based income has made traditional lending models increasingly incompatible for many consumers. At the same time, inflation and economic uncertainty have increased the demand for quick-turnaround financing to cover expenses such as rent, utilities, medical bills, or auto repairs. Cash advance apps, as enabled by platforms like Viva Payday Loans, are helping to meet this demand by offering access to time-sensitive funding options without the roadblocks of conventional credit systems. Looking Ahead As financial technology continues to evolve, digital platforms are expected to play an even larger role in shaping the future of personal lending. Viva Payday Loans will continue to invest in improving user experience, lender transparency, and access to regulated financial products that meet modern consumer needs. Media ContactMukesh BhardwajEmail: mukesh@ This press release is intended for informational purposes only. Viva Payday Loans is not a direct lender. All lending decisions are made by independent third-party providers in accordance with local laws and eligibility requirements. Availability and approval are subject to verification and state regulations.
Coin Geek
21 hours ago
- Business
- Coin Geek
Apple expands 'Tap to Pay' functionality in Europe
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... As the race for point-of-sale solutions heats up, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) is keen on seizing market share by extending its 'Tap to pay' capability to new European countries. According to a company statement, Apple's contactless payment functionality will be available in eight more European nations. Per the report, merchants in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Cyprus, Iceland, Greece, Malta, and Luxembourg will have access to the feature. The Tap to Pay feature will allow merchants to receive customer payments by tapping cards or digital wallets on the merchants' iPhones. Apple says the contactless payment feature will lean on near-field communication (NFC) technology without additional hardware. 'No additional hardware is needed, so merchants can accept payments from wherever they do business,' read the statement. Apple is collaborating with payment service providers and app developers to extend the reach of the Tap to Pay functionality. Fintech firms in the new regions can integrate the Tap to Pay feature in the iOS versions of their apps, improving the ability of merchants to receive payments. Several payment platforms across the eight new EU countries have supported the Tap to Pay feature. Global payment processing company Adyen will support the Tap to Pay feature in all countries except Greece, with European neobank Viva making an expansive presence in the list. Other worthy mentions include Revolut, Stripe, and Worldline, with Apple confirming that PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) and NBG Pay will offer support. Furthermore, the statement notes that contactless cards from leading payment networks like Mastercard (NASDAQ: MA) and Visa (NASDAQ: V) will be compatible with the Tap to Pay feature. However, Apple does not mention stablecoins or digital asset payments for the Tap to Pay feature. Apple has been throwing its weight behind NFC payments, famously extending its proprietary feature to third parties in the EU. Tap to Pay functionality race heats up Apple faces stiff competition from other technology giants in the race for contactless payments. Samsung (NASDAQ: SSNLF) has unveiled its Tap to Pay capabilities for digital wallets, supporting Samsung devices and cards that are not assigned to digital wallets. Google Wallet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) has joined the race with a contactless payment offering for kids, extending the scope to wearable tech like smartwatches. Rising contactless payments are tipped to contribute toward the anticipated $3 trillion in U.S. digital payment volume in 2025. Digital wallet adoption in Australia surges to a new all-time high Elsewhere, while Australia's local payment system is one of the most advanced in the world, new data indicates that digital wallet adoption is on the rise. GlobalData reported that digital wallet usage in Australia has surged to a new peak, growing by 32.2% over the last year. Per GlobalData's Payment Instrument Analytics, the total transaction volumes from digital wallets in Australia rose from AUD 126 billion (US$83.2 billion) to AUD 166 billion (US$110 billion). The spike in digital wallet adoption in Australia is not a flash in the pan but a combination of several key factors. GlobalData lead banking analyst Shivani Gupta revealed that the main factor is changing consumer behavior, with mobile-based payments reaching a peak. Furthermore, digital wallet service providers have been increasing their market share in Australia since 2020. Currently, Google, Apple, and Samsung are jostling for market share, luring consumers and merchants with advanced functionalities. For example, Gupta cites Google Wallet's dual network debit card feature, which is designed to support payments via local and international networks. Others are turning to contactless payment functionalities, with Apple and Samsung gaining traction with their Tap to Pay features. Digital wallets are onboarding millions of Australians with the additional functionality of QR codes and stablecoin functionalities, streamlining payments for consumers and merchants in the country. 'Like many markets in Asia Pacific, digital wallet adoption is on the rise in Australia, supported by rising consumer preference for mobile payments, and [the] proliferation of digital wallet brands such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay,' said Gupta. These factors have sent digital wallet metrics in Australia through the roof. According to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), nearly 40% of all card transactions in the country are processed through digital wallets. Per the report, the trend is tipped to continue well beyond 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%. The forecast predicts digital wallet transaction volumes to reach AUD 336.1 billion (US$221 billion) by 2030. Rising adoption rates across the Asia Pacific The Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region for digital wallet adoption globally, led by China and India. However, Hong Kong and Singapore are contributing to the soaring metrics with a report tipping digital wallets to surpass credit card use in Hong Kong. Across the region, cash usage has fallen, fuelled by meteoric digital wallet adoption levels. While the private sector is leading the charge, governments are leveraging digital wallets in the region to disburse funds to citizens, pushing the functionality beyond payments. Watch: New age of payment solutions title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="">
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Everything Jesse Mulligan Wore To Present The Aotearoa Music Awards 2025
Viva 's dining out editor Jesse Mulligan had the honour of presenting this year's Aotearoa Music Awards, a role that requires a coterie of beautiful outfits. He teamed up with stylist Sarah Stuart for a parade of New Zealand-designed looks for the evening. I'm better known for food than fashion, but
NZ Herald
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Award-winning stylist Danny Pato receives Order Of Merit for services to hairdressing
He's won multiple hairstyling awards over the years, but Danny Pato says his New Zealand Order of Merit is the best yet. Viva has waxed lyrical for years that hairstylist Danny Pato has needed additional room on his mantelpiece to house his numerous awards, but his most recent accolade shines brighter than any silver trophy. Flanked by five of his closest friends, Danny was invited to Government House in Auckland last Thursday where he was presented with the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hairdressing by Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. Danny is the first hairstylist in New Zealand history to receive such a prestigious honour. The announcement that Danny would be recognised as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit was revealed in late December as part of the New Year Honours 2025 list. For more than two decades, Danny has cemented his reputation as a hairstylist with creative flair and expertise with wigs and hair pieces, having received 14 awards throughout his career. He's collaborated with notable fashion magazines both locally and globally (including Viva), toured the international Fashion Week circuit, and established a loyal fan base at D&M Hair Design, the Auckland-based salon he co-founded with husband Ryland Wood. Below, Danny reflects on this milestone moment and shares how he hopes that his most recent award inspires the next generation of hairstylists. From left to right: Kathryn Wilson, Ryland Wood, Danny Pato, Michael Sisaengrath, Jen Cuttance and Liam Taylor. Photo / Supplied ASHLEIGH COMETTI: Congratulations on receiving your Member of the New Zealand Order Of Merit, Danny. How did you feel when you first found out you would be receiving this special honour? Advertisement Advertise with NZME. DANNY PATO: Thank you so much. I found out late last year – they check with you in advance if you're going to accept the honour, so I received a letter in the post. I had to keep it confidential but inside I was overwhelmed and proud. But it really hit home when a One News interview aired on New Year's Eve and I could finally talk about it. Now that I've experienced it, I feel so incredibly proud, honoured and grateful. Danny (centre) invited a handful of friends to attend the Investiture Ceremony, including footwear designer Kathryn Wilson (left) and brand strategist Liam Taylor (right). Photo / Supplied AC: How does this most recent award differ to those you've received in the past? DP: It's particularly heart-warming to be recognised by the State and Crown. I'm the first person in the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to hairdressing, so it feels like I've opened up a pathway for our industry. Last year, I was the 2024 inductee into Australian Hair Industry Hall of Fame, which felt similar in a way – a recognition encompassing my whole career – but the MNZM coming from the Government feels really special, to be appreciated and accepted by the country. Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro poses with Danny during the Investiture Ceremony at Government House. Photo / Supplied AC: What was the Investiture Ceremony like last Thursday, when you received the award from Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro? DP: It was very formal, emotional and a once in a lifetime experience. We were asked to dress our best, so I wore a custom-made Crane Brothers suit. There were eight other inductees and their guests invited to Government House for the ceremony and high tea. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Hearing the stories of the other inductees, what all of these courageous Kiwis had done for their different communities was inspiring, and made me grateful to be a New Zealander. I had to stand for the Governor-General, while a citation about my contributions and achievements was read out. It took me back to being a young boy in the Mediterranean with five sisters playing with their hair, and my journey through to doing overseas shows, winning 14 global awards and winning NZ Hairdresser of the Year eight times in a row. Danny shares a quiet moment with Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro. Photo / Supplied I then shared a private moment with the Governor-General; she thanked me on behalf of all Kiwis for putting New Zealand on the international hairdressing map. She said what impressed her most was giving back through the charity projects I'd instigated over the years for cancer research, victim support, end of life care and disadvantaged kids. It really was a special moment for me. Then we had high tea – seriously the fanciest and most delicious high tea I'd ever had. Danny, right, and his husband, Ryland Wood. Photo / Supplied AC: How did you celebrate afterwards? DP: My guests – husband Ryland Wood, business partner Michael Sisaengrath, and best friends Kathryn Wilson, Liam Taylor and Jen Cuttance - took me to Soul Bar for dinner in all of our finery. The divine Liv Carter, manager at Soul, gave us the most beautiful table in the sunset, where we ate delicious seafood and sipped G.H. Mumm RSRV champagne… we had a fabulous celebration. Champagne was flowing at Soul Bar for Danny and his friends following the ceremony. Photo / Supplied AC: What are you most looking forward to for the rest of the year? Any other awards you have your eye on? DP: I am very driven to create new work – any awards are only a result of the work itself. So it's no surprise that I'm about to shoot my next collection. I've got a busy winter ahead, hair directing a few New Zealand Fashion Week shows and heading over to Australia a couple of times to do hairdressing shows and seminars. I love what I do, so I will just keep on going – this medal is a recognition of my passion. More beauty From the hottest runway trends to try now to the local beauty brand founder making waves globally. Our 2025 Beauty Trend Predictions Came True At Australian Fashion Week. From wine-stained lips to skincare-as-makeup, here are the top trends beauty editor Ashleigh Cometti spotted at AFW. 8 Of The Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments To Try In 2025. Skin feeling rough, textured or bumpy? Here's how to manage keratosis pilaris this winter. Viva Beauty Awards 2025: Discover The Finalists & Vote For Your Favourites Now. Our expert judges have decided the finalists across all 30 categories, now it's over to you to crown the winners. How Katey Mandy's Raaie Is Expanding Its Global Presence With A Partnership With Sephora . Beauty entrepreneur Katey Mandy continues to push the boundaries of botanicals with New Zealand skincare brand, Raaie.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
An aqua slidecoaster on a cruise ship. Yes, you heard that right!
With adrenaline-pumping offerings, indulgent spa, umpteen games, mind-blowing entertainment and 18-plus dining venues, Norwegian Cruise Line's Aqua wows family cruisers As our bus nears Southampton's Horizon Cruise Terminal, my dad's eyes light up with excitement. The brand-new Norwegian Aqua, the latest gem from Norwegian Cruise Line, comes into view. We're thrilled to be among the privileged few boarding her inaugural 4-day roundtrip voyage from Southampton. Welcome Aboard After breezing through security, we received our Freestyle Cards—our golden tickets to everything on board, including our cabin. We step into the Penrose Atrium, a breathtaking three-level space instantly setting the tone. Bathed in natural light from sweeping ocean-view windows, it features sleek modern lighting, designer décor, and a buzzing mix of restaurants, shops, lounges, and service desks. Having sailed on NCL's Prima-class ships before, I can see familiar touches from the Prima and Viva, but Aqua has its unique energy and can accommodate 3,571 passengers. Our home at Sea A quick announcement signals our cabin is ready. We head to Deck 13, where our Club Balcony Suite awaits. Spacious and stylish, the room boasts a cozy bed, a chic sitting area, a work desk, a modern bathroom, and a well-sized wardrobe. But the star of the show? A private forward-facing balcony that offers a front-row seat to the ocean's ever-changing drama. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like เทรดทองCFDs ด้วยค่าสเปรดที่ต่ำที่สุด IC Markets สมัคร Undo Guests looking to revel in luxury can opt for The Haven, NCL's luxury enclave with lavish suites, round-the-clock butler and concierge service, and an exclusive sundeck. Fun and Games With our bags stashed and spirits high, we explore the ship. Deck 17's main pool area is already lively—sun-seekers lounging, guests sipping cocktails, and others soaking in the infinity-edge hot tub. Quieter than Aqua's sister ships, this deck also houses the Aqua Game Zone, complete with VR rides, arcade games, and even mini-bowling. Looking for friendly competition? Head to Decks 18–20, home to complimentary attractions like The Stadium, featuring ping-pong, air hockey, foosball, and even beer pong. The Glow Court is a highlight—a high-tech digital sports arena with an interactive LED floor that transforms from a sports court by day to a nightclub by night. We certainly enjoy Tee Time —a vibrant 12-hole mini-golf course stretching across two decks with holes themed after global cities. Of course, thrill-seekers will gravitate toward the Aqua Slidecoaster. Its thrilling start is followed by a mellow meander, and the dual slides let us race each other. And then there's The Drop—a heart-pounding free fall from Deck 18 to Deck 8. Not for the faint-hearted! A Feast for All Tastes One of the best things about cruising? Endless dining. Included in your fare are meals at several a la carte and buffet spots, ideal for satisfying every craving. Onboard Norwegian Aqua, 17 dining venues and 18 bars await. Of these, five are complimentary, plus an exclusive restaurant for Haven guests. We're smitten with Hudson's—a beautiful glass-walled restaurant at the ship's rear serving up an array of global dishes with panoramic sunset views. For quick, global bites, Indulge Food Hall is our go-to. F rom Indian and Asian to BBQ and desserts, everything is ordered via tablet and delivered to your table. The Surfside Café & Grill offers buffet-style dining all day, indoors and out. New to the Aqua lineup is Sukhothai, NCL's first-ever Thai specialty restaurant. We also enjoy an evening at Los Lobos, where we savor made-at-the-table guacamole, hearty enchiladas, and perfectly crisp churros with dulce de leche. Relax and Rejuvenate For wellness lovers, The Mandara Spa is a sanctuary. The Thermal Suite wows with a two-story waterfall, saltwater pool, saunas, steam rooms, am ice room and heated loungers with ocean views. We unwind here with infused waters and fresh fruit between treatments. Also in the spa complex is the Pulse Fitness Center, stocked with treadmills, free weights, and fitness classes like yoga, spin, and boot camp (available for a fee or via class pass). Sun-Kissed Serenity Sundecks are sprinkled across decks 8, 17, and 18, offering countless ways to soak in the sea air. Deck 8's outdoor promenade includes La Terazza—a cozy terrace with couches—and Ocean Walk, NCL's first glass walkway at sea. Our favorite? Infinity Beach, with loungers, sunbeds nestled in shallow water, and twin infinity-edge hot tubs flanking each side. Nightlife & Entertainment When the sun sets, Norwegian Aqua comes alive with world-class entertainment. 'Revolution: A Celebration of Prince' delivers an electrifying tribute to the music legend, while 'Elements: The World Expanded' dazzles with acrobatics and visuals inspired by nature's elements. Night owls have no shortage of options: live music, improv comedy, karaoke, and DJ sets unfold in various venues. Because performances are held in enclosed spaces, open areas remain peaceful for quiet conversations. Syd Norman's Pour House continues its legacy with classic rock shows, tribute nights, and karaoke. Over at The Improv at Sea, laughter flows freely with nightly comedy acts. After the main shows, the DJ takes over, transforming venues into high-energy nightclubs. Deck 7 houses Aqua Casino, filled with slot machines and gaming tables. Shoppers can browse through boutique shops in The Gateway on Deck 7 and more retail spaces near the Penrose Atrium on Deck 8, offering everything from luxury accessories to souvenirs. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
