This week APACS, the UK payments association, is marking the 40th anniversary of the credit card (29 June 2006) by taking a look back at the way we have paid for goods and services over the last forty years and the payment services that might be on offer in forty years time. 

Credit cards have revolutionised our spending power and transformed the way we manage our money.   They really are part of our daily lives - in fact in 2005 there were 31.6 million credit cardholders in the UK with an average number of 2.4 credit cards per person.  We spent £124 billion on credit cards through the 790,000 retail outlets that now accept plastic card payments. 

The guide availble from the APACS Media Centre and (also available from www.choosingandusing.com) provides a snapshot of the market in 1966, looks at the current payment choices available and looks ahead to the increased security, flexibility and convenience that will be offer to the next generation of card users.

For further information, or an interview, please contact the

APACS Cards Information Office:
T: 0870 420 3208
E: apacs@fourcommunications.com