Amazon and payments: 10 things you need to know

Amazon Inc. has long been a major presence in e-commerce and a major threat to traditional retail. But retailers used to be able to hold onto their physical presence as a differentiator. In the past year, Amazon has taken even that advantage away, with targeted efforts in markets that may not have thought themselves vulnerable to disruption.

The company's efforts have followed two distinct paths: Technology in the home and technology in the store. In the home, Amazon already had a significant presence; in stores, its meager footprint got a significant boost in the company's landmark acquisition of Whole Foods.

Here is a look at how Amazon has fundamentally transformed itself in the past year — and how it threatens to transform retail payments in the year ahead.

This listicle is compiled from reporting by PaymentsSource staff writers. Click the links in each item to read more.