Unlike physically exchanging coins or cash, the haptic buzz or quick ping of cashless payments are making transactions speedier – and subtler. But researchers have found that the seamless nature of these exchanges can cause people to make unhealthy food choices.

With behaviour in restaurants having changed since the pandemic, startup Qlub wants to streamline experiences further. By letting customers split the bill and pay via a QR code, the company offers seamless check-outs, spotlighting opportunities for tech-enhanced frictionless experiences.

Digital wallets were gaining ground well before COVID-19 struck, but the pandemic accelerated their uptake as people prioritized contactless transactions. As well as offering a more hygienic way to make purchases, how might these tools enable Americans to make the most of their money?

The pandemic hasn’t been easy on anyone, especially not on freelancers whose income streams have stalled. Created by several financial challenger brands, Covid Credit is a digital questionnaire and service that helps the self-employed apply for government-subsidised relief schemes.