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Credit Cards in United Kingdom
The number of credit cards in UK continues to slight from 67,413,000 as at 31st December 2008 to 60,396,000 as at 31st December 2009. The decrease of 7,017,000 or 10.41% is expected
due to financial crisis worldwide. During the period, prudent approach is taken by credit card issuers for issuances of new credit card with some old accounts are being closed in the same time.
Nonetheless, UK still has the highest number of credit cards issued in Europe.
Of all the cards issued, 21,699,000 is for Visa Card(a significant decrease of 5,437,000 or 20.06% compares to 27,106,000 a year ago),
while 38,727,000 is for MasterCard(a decrease of 1,579,000 or 3.92% compares to 40,306,000 a year ago).
Outstanding credit stood at €63.87 billions as at 31st December 2009, a decrease of 3.77% or €2.41 billions compares to €66.28 billions in the same period in 2008.
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Here is a list of popular credit cards in UK. For more credit card offers, you can search by Categories, Banks/Issuers and Card Types from the menu on the left.
Earn up to triple points and a choice of great places to use them with the new Express Rewards Card from American Express.
0% on purchases for the first 6 months
Earn 6,000 bonus points (worth £30) when you spend £500 in your first 3 months of cardmembership
Earn 3 points for virtually every full £1 of spend in major supermarkets, 2 points for virtually every full £1 of spend in leading department stores, 1 point for every £1 of spend elsewhere.
Once you reach 5,000 points, you can redeem for a £25 gift voucher from a selection of favourite stores, both on the high street and online.
Typical 17.9% APR Variable
No annual fee
Free Supplementary Cards – combine your points and share these Card benefits with the whole family.
Up To 56 Days interest-free period for Purchases if you pay your balance in full and on time.
24/7/365 customer service
Purchase Protection Benefit – if eligible items are stolen or damaged within 90 days of purchase, they are replaced or the cost is refunded up to £2,500
Refund Protection Benefit – should any UK retailer refuse you a refund on any eligible items within 90 days of purchase, you get back the purchase price up to £200
Online Fraud Guarantee - if something's stolen from your account or you see a charge you don't recognise, we'll remove it and investigate. You can shop online knowing you'll never be held responsible for any unauthorised online purchases.
Travel Accident Benefit - Receive up to £150,000 when public transport travel tickets are charged to your Card
Additional features to keep you up to date with your account, including online account management, 24-hour global assistance and emergency Card replacement services.
Welcome to MBNA, the home of credit cards. You know who to trust and what you're looking for, so come on in and enjoy the benefits…
0% on balance transfers for 13 months (2.9% handling fee). For this great rate your balance needs to be transferred within the first 90 days of opening your account.
0% on money transfers from your credit card to your current account for 13 months (4% handling fee). Remember for this great rate you need to transfer money within the first 90 days of opening your account.
0% on card purchases 3 months from the date your account is opened – good for your Christmas shopping!
16.9% APR typical rate (variable).
Enjoy up to 50 days interest free - on card purchases, if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month.
No annual fee
MBNA goes further to protect both you and your credit card with MBNA Secure.
Online Banking: check your balance and transactions, view your pin, set up direct debits or carry out balance transfers and much more! You can also now help the environment by opting for paperless statements.
Fraud Protection: you will not be liable for fraudulent transactions online or on the high street, providing you tell us as soon as you notice any unusual transactions.
Free 24 hour UK based customer service helpline – wherever you are worldwide, whenever you need them, our customer satisfaction representatives are just a phone call away.
When you take out a Virgin Credit Card, you get more than just a nice piece of plastic.
0% p.a. on Balance Transfers for 14 months*(Rate applies to transfers made in the first 60 days. Handling fee of 2.98% applies).
0% p.a. on Card Purchases for 3 months from the date your account is opened.
Voted best credit card for balance transfers. Moneyfacts Awards 2008 - Winner Best Credit Card Provider (Balance Transfer Rate).
No annual fee.
Typical rate 16.6% APR (variable)
Manage your account online or over the phone 24/7
Awesome discounts like 10% off Virgin Holidays, discounted high street vouchers and more…
FREE Purchase Protection Insurance
FREE Travel Accident Insurance up to £100,000
Up to 50 interest-free days on card purchases if you pay your statement balance in full and on time every month
* From the date your account is opened. Promotional rates will no longer apply from the beginning of any statement period during which you have breached your terms and conditions.
The Virgin Credit Card is promoted by Virgin Money Limited and issued by MBNA Europe Bank Limited, Registered Office: Stansfield House, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QQ. Registered in England number 2783251. Credit is available, subject to status,
only to UK residents aged 18 or over. As the Virgin Credit Card is issued by MBNA you can't transfer a balance from another credit card issued by them. We will monitor or record some phone calls. MBNA is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
The Nationwide Gold card offers a great range of benefits:
0% p.a. for 15 months from account opening on balances transferred in the first 3 months(3% handling fee, minimum £5.00 is payable on each balance transfer)
0% p.a. on all new purchases for 3 months
Commission free purchases abroad
Up to 56 days interest-free credit
Free purchase cover for loss, theft or damage to most purchases over £50
free 12 month extended warranty on many gas or electrical products
Peace of mind for all cardholders with Nationwide Fraud Watch
Typical 16.9% APR variable
No annual fee
A Gold card is most likely to be suitable if you are aged 25 or over, have an annual income of £25,000 or more, and have an excellent credit history.
0% interest on balance transfers for 15 months from account opening (2.9% handling fee applies)
0% interest on purchases for 3 months from account opening
A reward programme like no other, with Barclaycard Freedom automatically earn while you shop at participating retailers.
With contactless payment technology, a new quick and easy way to pay for purchases of £15 or under
No annual fee.
16.9% APR typical (variable)
Up to 56 days interest free from the date of the transaction on new purchases if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month.
Get into whatever you’re into – Barclaycard Unwind puts some of the best live music at your fingertips. You’ll have easy access to some of the hottest tickets as well as live sessions, news, reviews and more.
Identity Protection Service - advice about protecting yourself from identity theft
Safer shopping with Fraud Protection including Chip and PIN and monitoring your account for unusual spending
Purchase Delivery Protection - peace of mind against loss or damage to goods ordered and delivered from UK suppliers online, over the phone using your Barclaycard (second-hand goods and services excluded)
Worldwide Assistance - emergency help when travelling abroad
Travel Service - pay with your Barclaycard and you'll get great deals on thousands of destinations worldwide
Mybarclaycard - register and manage your account online, switch to paperless statements, set-up direct debits, track your spending and much more.
Emergency Card Replacement and Cash Advance - replacement card and cash advances if your Barclaycard goes missing
Free Text Alert Service - opt in for text alerts five days before your payment is due
0% p.a. on Balance Transfers for 12 months*(Rate applies to transfers made in the first 60 days. Handling fee of 2.98% applies).
0% p.a. on Card Purchases for 12 months from the date your account is opened.
No annual fee.
Typical rate 18.9% APR (variable)
Manage your account online or over the phone 24/7
Awesome discounts like 10% off Virgin Holidays, discounted high street vouchers and more…
FREE Purchase Protection Insurance
FREE Travel Accident Insurance up to £100,000
Up to 50 interest-free days on card purchases if you pay your statement balance in full and on time every month
* From the date your account is opened. Promotional rates will no longer apply from the beginning of any statement period during which you have breached your terms and conditions.
The Virgin Credit Card is promoted by Virgin Money Limited and issued by MBNA Europe Bank Limited, Registered Office: Stansfield House, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QQ. Registered in England number 2783251. Credit is available, subject to status,
only to UK residents aged 18 or over. As the Virgin Credit Card is issued by MBNA you can't transfer a balance from another credit card issued by them. We will monitor or record some phone calls. MBNA is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
A brand new offer from MBNA - apply now and receive a promotional low rate on balance transfers and money transfers until the balances transferred are paid off.
A promotional low rate on balance transfers and money transfers - 5.9% for the life of the balance
2% handling fee for balances transferred in the first 60 days, 3% thereafter (4% for money transfers)
Ideal for rearranging your finances and consolidating loans.
To help protect you further against online fraud we've implemented Verified by VisaTM.(Verified by Visa is a simple password-protected identity-checking service that takes the risk out of online retail for you, so you get the reassurance you need to spend with confidence. )
Now with MBNA Secure you can feel safer when you shop, click on the link at the top of the page and find out more.
Typical rate 16.9% APR (variable)
Enjoy up to 50 days interest free - on card purchases, when you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month.
No annual fee
Online Banking – Access your account to view your PIN, check your balance and transactions, set up direct debits, carry out balance transfers and much more.
Free 24 hour worldwide Customer Satisfaction Helpline – wherever you are, whenever you need them, our Customer Satisfaction Representatives are just a free phone call away.
0% interest on balance transfers for 12 months from the date your account is opened (3% handling fee). Minimum spend of £100 in first three months applies to balance transfers.
0% interest on purchases for 3 months
Typical 15.9% APR variable.
No annual fee
Up to 56 days interest free on Purchases if your full balance is paid off by the due date.
Add an additional cardholder, aged 18 or over.
Secure internet shopping with Lloyds TSB ClickSafe® - this makes internet shopping safer. You choose a personal password to ensure only you can use your card to shop online.
Safe online shopping with our internet shopping promise including internet fraud loss protection.
Managing your account online, by phone or at a local Lloyds TSB branch.
Active Account Monitoring – fraud specialists will alert you to any suspicious credit card transactions.
Overseas Emergency Assistance – call our overseas contact number if you lose your card abroad and we will issue a free replacement card.
Accepted in over 24 million places worldwide.
Chip and PIN security.
* Minimum spend of £100 in the first three months applies in order to get 0% for 12 months on balance transfers. If minimum spend is not met, you will get 0% for three months after the account is opened. Balances must be transferred within six weeks of opening the account. Minimum balance transfer is £100 and is subject to your credit limit. Your monthly payments reduce balance transfers first, so after three months you pay interest on purchases at the standard rate until balance transfers are paid off. 3% fee applies and interest is charged on this fee.
6.8% interest on all balance transfers (no handling fee applies) and on all purchases
A reward programme like no other, with Barclaycard Freedom automatically earn while you shop at participating retailers.
With contactless payment technology, a new quick and easy way to pay for purchases of £15 or under
No annual fee
6.8% APR typical (variable)
Up to 56 days interest free from the date of the transaction on new purchases if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month
Get into whatever you’re into – Barclaycard Unwind puts some of the best live music at your fingertips. You’ll have easy access to some of the hottest tickets as well as live sessions, news, reviews and more.
Identity Protection Service - advice about protecting yourself from identity theft
Safer shopping with Fraud Monitoring including Chip and PIN and monitoring your account for unusual spending
Purchase Delivery Protection peace of mind against loss or damage to goods ordered and delivered from UK suppliers online, over the phone using your Barclaycard (second-hand goods and services excluded)
Worldwide Assistance - emergency help when travelling abroad
Travel Service- pay with your Barclaycard and you'll get great deals on thousands of destinations worldwide
Mybarclaycard - register and manage your account online, switch to paperless statements, set-up direct debits, track your spending and much more.
Emergency Card Replacement and Cash Advance - replacement card and cash advances if your Barclaycard goes missing
Text alerts five days before payment is due (opt in required)
0% on balance transfers for 12 months (3% handling fee). For this great rate your balance needs to be transferred within the first 90 days of your account opening
0% on money transfers from your credit card to your current account for 12 months (4% handling fee). Remember for this great rate you need to transfer money within the first 90 days of your account opening
0% on card purchases for 3 months from the date your account is opened
16.9% APR typical rate (variable)
Receive 20,000 free destinations miles* when you spend £250 on card purchases within 90 days of your account opening (enough for a return flight to Italy, Spain and many other great destinations!)
Earn miles on your every day spend taking you to over 975 destinations worldwide
Automatic Diamond Club membership, the UK's most generous frequent flyer programme**
Earn 1.5 destinations miles for every £1 spent on everyday card purchases to get you to over 975 worldwide destinations
Earn triple destinations miles when you use your bmi credit card to buy a bmi flight at flybmi.com
No Annual Fee
Online Banking: Check your balance and transactions, view your pin, set up direct debits or carry out balance transfers and much more! You can also now help the environment by opting for paperless statements
Fraud Protection: You will not be liable for fraudulent transactions online or on the high street, providing you tell us as soon as you notice any unusual transactions
Free 24 hour UK based customer service helpline – wherever you are worldwide, whenever you need them, our customer satisfaction representatives are just a phone call away
Enjoy up to 50 days interest free - on card purchases, when you pay your statement balance in full and on time every month
Discover 940 extraordinary hotels and resorts in 93 countries
Enjoy 10,000 bonus Starpoints® when you spend £1,000 on your Card in the first three months – enough for up to three complimentary nights.
Earn 1 Starpoint for every full £1 spent, per transaction on your Card.
Auto enrolment in SPG Preferred Plus tier
Experience Gold Preferred Guest status when you spend £15,000 annually on your Card.
Receive a Free Weekend Night at any hotel or resort in categories 1-4 anywhere in the world when you spend £25,000 on the Card during each year of your Cardmembership.
Share the benefits with friends and family and you will earn additional Starpoints for their purchases with free Supplementary Cards.
940 extraordinary hotels and resorts - Use Starpoints for complimentary night awards with no blackout dates at any of our nine distinct brands: St Regis, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, Le Meridien, Weston, Sheraton, Aloft, Element, Four Points by Sheraton.
Complimentary flights - Redeem Starpoints for tickets on more than 350 airlines with no blackout dates with SPG Flights. You can also transfer Starpoints to the frequent flyer programmes of over 30 major airlines, most on a 1 to 1 basis.
Typical 32.0% APR – Includes £75 Annual Fee
Purchase Protection Benefit - If eligible items you buy with the Card are damaged or stolen inside 90 days, they're replaced or the cost is refunded up to £2,500
Refund Protection Benefit - Should any UK retailer refuse you a refund on any eligible items within 90 days of purchase, you get back the purchase price up to £200
Online Fraud Guarantee - If something's stolen from your account or you see a charge you don't recognise, we'll remove it and investigate. You can shop online knowing you'll never be held responsible for any unauthorised online purchases
Travel Accident Benefit - Receive up to £150,000 in the event of accident when public transport travel tickets are charged to your Card
Our Tesco Credit Card is a good little earner. Earn points on everything you buy at Tesco or elsewhere with your Clubcard Credit Card! Buy all shopping interest-free for a whole year from the day you open your account!
Don't miss out apply for this low rate on purchases and extra points today
0% interest for 12 months on ALL purchases from account opening
0% interest for 6 months on balance transfers from account opening (2.9% fee)
No annual fee
Typical 16.9% APR (Variable)
Up to 51 days interest free period for purchases if you pay your balance in full and on time, and have paid the previous month's balance in full and on time.
For non Nectar card holders
Sainsbury's Credit Card for non Nectar card holders offers 0% for 12 months on Sainsbury's shopping† and 0% for 9 months on all other shopping. There's also 0% for 9 months on balance transfers (3% BT fee applies).
0% for the first 12 months on Sainsbury's shopping†
0% for the first 9 months on balance transfers (+3% fee, minimum £3)
0% for the first 9 months on all other purchases
No annual fee
15.9% APR typical variable.
Enjoy safe and secure payments with Chip and PIN
To keep your promotional rate you must pay at least the minimum payment by the due date and stay within your credit limit.
Personal pricing
As we treat all our customers and their applications on an individual basis, the APR and the interest rates we offer are determined by the details you supply, along with an independent verification of credit and repayment history.
Love managing your money online?
No problem. When you apply, you'll be able to register for our secure online banking service. You can also view transactions, make payments and much more.
†For the first 12 months from account opening you will get 0% on purchases made at Sainsbury's. Excludes Sainsbury's Telecoms and Energy which will be treated as non-Sainsbury's purchases. You will get 0% for the first 9 months from account opening on non-Sainsbury's purchases. Thereafter, your personal APR for purchases will be either 15.9% APR (variable), 19.9% APR (variable), or 21.9% APR (variable).
You will also get 0% for the first 9 months from account opening on balance transfers (a fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer). Thereafter your interest rates for balance transfers will be the same as for purchases. Two thirds of customers are offered our best and typical rate of 15.9% APR (variable). we'll let you know your interest rate as soon as we've assessed your application.
Rewarding our shoppers
With a Sainsbury's Credit Card, Sainsbury's shoppers with a Nectar card* can enjoy 0% for 12 months on all shopping and balance transfers (3% BT fee applies) 15.9% APR typical variable
0% for the first 12 months on Sainsbury’s shopping
0% for the first 12 months on balance transfers (+3% fee, minimum £3)
0% for the first 12 months on all other shopping
No annual fee
15.9% APR typical variable.
*Must have swiped your Nectar card in store in the last 6 months. We may check your Nectar account to verify this.
To keep your promotional rate you must pay at least the minimum payment by the due date and stay within your credit limit.
Personal pricing
As we treat all our customers and their applications on an individual basis, the APR and the interest rates we offer are determined by the details you supply, along with an independent verification of credit and repayment history.
Love managing your money online?
No problem. When you apply, you'll be able to register for our secure online banking service. You can also view transactions, make payments and much more.
For the first 12 months from account opening you will get 0% on all purchases. Thereafter, your personal APR for purchases will be either 15.9% APR (variable), 19.9% APR (variable), or 21.9% APR (variable). You will also get 0% for the first 12 months from account opening on balance transfers (a fee of 3% applies for each balance transfer). Thereafter your interest rates for balance transfers will be the same as for purchases. Two thirds of customers are offered our best and typical rate of 15.9% APR (variable). We'll let you know your interest rate as soon as we've assessed your application.
Twice as nice - Earn double Nectar points on Sainsbury's shopping.*
With a Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card you get double Nectar points on Sainsbury's shopping* for 2 years when you pay with your Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card and hand over your Nectar card.
Plus you can enjoy:
12.92% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers and no balance transfer fee
Earn Nectar points when you use your Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card elsewhere - 1 point for every £5 you spend
Optional repayment cover
No annual fee
12.9% APR typical variable
See how your points add up
Jennifer spends £49 a week in Sainsbury's on shopping for the family and swipes her Nectar card every time she shops. When she pays with her Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card, she doubles her points every week. That means she can earn enough points to get a week's free shopping once a year for 2 years. Now that's rewarding!^
Love managing your money online?
No problem. When you apply, you'll be able to register for our secure online banking service. You can also view transactions, make payments and much more.
*New customers only when you pay with your Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card. With a Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card, 2 Nectar points are earned on each full £1 of each separate transaction made on shopping at Sainsbury’s for the first 2 years the account is opened. Excludes Sainsbury’s Telecoms and Energy which will be treated as non- Sainsbury's purchases. For non-Sainsbury's purchases 1 Nectar point is earned on each full £5 of each separate transaction. Nectar points may take up to six weeks to appear on your account. Sainsbury's Bank plc and Sainsbury's Supermarkets Limited reserve the right to alter or terminate the Nectar point offer at any time, without the need for prior notice.
^Week's free shopping is calculated by adding together the base points you normally earn instore / online and the bonus points awarded when you take out a Sainsbury's Nectar Credit Card or other qualifying Sainsbury's Finance product. Additional terms and conditions apply.
0% on balance transfers for 9 months from the date your account is opened (3% fee). To benefit your balance needs to be transferred within the first 90 days of your account opening.
0% on money transfers from your credit card to your current account until for 9 months (4% fee). Remember your balance needs to be transferred within the first 90 days of account opening
0% on all purchases for 12 months from the date your account is opened.
18.9% APR typical rate (variable)
No Annual Fee
Enjoy up to 50 days interest free - on card purchases, if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month.
Earn AA Reward Points on your everyday card purchases, and earn double points on motoring, fuel and AA products
Use your AA Reward Points to purchase from a range of motoring products and services, AA Home or Car Insurance, a new AA atlas, or choose to treat yourself with a day or night out
Alternatively, use your points to take up to 1% cash back on fuel purchases. If you're a Member, earn 1% cash back with an AA Member Credit Card, or earn 0.5% if you're not a member
Paperless Statements: This account is set up with paperless statements only. To access your statements you will need to enrol in Online Servicing. You can manage your account easily whilst helping the environment by reducing paper consumption
Fraud Protection: You will not be liable for fraudulent transactions online or on the high street, providing you tell us as soon as your card cannot be found or you notice any unusual transactions on your account
Free 24-hour UK-based customer service helpline – wherever you are worldwide, whenever you need them, our customer satisfaction representatives are just a phone call away
The AA Credit Card is issued by MBNA Europe Bank Limited.
* Motoring purchases includes: purchases from any car garage (eg for parts, repairs, servicing, MOT testing); fuel purchases (diesel, petrol or LPG Autogas) from any fuel stations including supermarkets; AA products and services purchased directly from the AA.
** If you do not pay your balance in full we will use your payments to reduce lower-rate balances before higher-rate balances. If promotional rate balances are the same we will repay them in the following order: first, the one with the earliest expiry date; if the expiry dates are the same then the one which started first; if the expiry dates and start dates are the same then the one with the lowest standard rate.
Promotional rates will no longer apply from the beginning of any statement period during which you have breached your terms and conditions.
Earn money off your BT bill* with the BT Credit Card
0% on balance transfers for 13 months (3% handling fee) from the date your account is opened. For this great rate your balance needs to be transferred within the first 90 days of opening your account.
0% on money transfers from your credit card to your current account for 13 months (4% handling fee) from the date your account is opened. Remember for this great rate you need to transfer money within the first 90 days of opening your account
0% on card purchases for 3 months from the date your account is opened
16.9% APR typical rate (variable)
No Annual Fee
Enjoy up to 50 days interest free - on card purchases, if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month
Online Banking: Check your balance and transactions, view your pin, set up direct debits or carry out balance transfers and much more! You can also now help the environment by opting for paperless statements.
Fraud Protection: You will not be liable for fraudulent transactions online or on the high street, providing you tell us as soon as you notice any unusual transactions.
Get your instant decision in minutes
*BT Credit Card Rewards are awarded as a discount on your applicable BT telephone bill ('the BT Credit Card Discount') at the rate of 1p for each £1.50 (but not part of) spent on the relevant BT Credit Card on eligible purchases per month or part of a month.
Every time you spend on your BT Credit Card you'll earn money off your BT bill*
An outstanding introductory card purchase rate of just 0% on petrol station and supermarket# spend - available for 10 months from the date your account is opened.
An outstanding introductory balance transfer rate of 0% – available for 6 months from the date your account is opened. This offer only applies to transactions made within 90 days from the account opening date. 2% handling fee applies.
The petrol and supermarket offer is available instore only and includes most major UK supermarkets: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Iceland, Somerfield, Co-op and Aldi.
16.9% APR typical rate (variable)
No Annual Fee
Enjoy up to 50 days interest free - on card purchases, if you pay your statement balance in full and on time each month
Manage your account online at www.bt.com/mycreditcard
Free 24 hour worldwide Customer Service Helpline
#This promotional rate applies to card purchases made at most major UK supermarkets or petrol retailers (including supermarket petrol stations). This offer excludes all online purchases, any financial or insurance related products, vouchers purchased through Grass Roots Group, or services from a third party which are associated with a supermarket or petrol retailer. This promotional rate is provided by MBNA and is not linked to, or endorsed by, any supermarket or petrol retailer.
*BT Credit Card Rewards are awarded as a discount on your applicable BT telephone bill at the rate of 1p for each £2 (but not part of) spent on the relevant BT Credit Card up to £250 spent on retail purchases per month or part of a month, and at the rate of 1p for each £1 (but not part of) spent on retail purchases over £250 in any one month. In any twelve month period, the maximum BT Credit Card Reward that can be earned using a BT Credit Card account is £75.
Total Card Trasnactions in Volume and Value
UK recorded 1,952 millions card transactions in 2009, a decrease of 42 millions or 2.1% compares to 1,994 millions in 2008. The number of transactions can be further broken down as 1,911 millions(635mn Visa, 1,276mn MasterCard)
for purchases, 36.24 millions(14.3mn Visa, 21.94mn MasterCard) for cash withdrawals and 5.21 millions(1.82mn Visa, 3.39mn MasterCard) for balance transfers.
Out of these transactions, 651 millions or 33.35% is using Visa, a decrease of 113 millions or 14.79% compares to 764 millions in 2008; which is in tandem with the decrease in number of Visa card. Whereas 1,301 millions is using
MasterCard, an increase of 71 millions or 5.77% compares to 1,230 millions in 2008; which shows the decrease in the number of MasterCard does not impact its number of transactions. In conclusion, the MasterCard brand is the clear
winner over Visa brand in UK for 2009.
The total card transactions for 2009 is €139.52 billions in value, a decrease of €10.35 billions or 6.91% compares to €149.87 billions in 2008, which is inline with the decrease in number of credit cards issued.
The figure can be further broken down as €123.10 billions(€44.62bn Visa, €78.48bn MasterCard) for purchases, €5.82 billions(€2.4bn Visa, €3.42bn MasterCard) for cash withdrawals and €10.59 billions(€3.64bn Visa, €6.95bn MasterCard) for balance transfers.
Out of these transactions, €50.67 billions or 36.33% is using Visa, a decrease of €10.03 billions or 16.52% compares to €60.7 billions in 2008; which is in tandem with the decrease in number of Visa card. Whereas €88.85 billions is using
MasterCard, an decrease of €0.32 billions or 0.36% compares to €89.17 billions in 2008; which shows the decrease in the number of MasterCard does not have a big impact its total transactions value.
Credit Cards Statistics 2007-2008 in United Kingdom
As of 2008, UK has a population of 61.35 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €1,816.09 billions. This translates into €29.60 thousands of GDP per capita.
UK contributes 14.51% of the EU total GDP, third behind Germany and France. There is a significant drop of 11.16% or €228.04 billions in GDP for UK compares to 2007.
As at 31st December 2008, there are 148,869,000 payment cards issued in UK(2.44 cards per capita), making UK the Europe leader in number of cards issued in the country per capita.
This is an increase of 4,204,000 payment cards issued or 2.91% compares to 144,665,000 in 2007.
There are 66,163,000 credit cards in UK as at 31st December 2008, a decrease of 1,148,000 or 1.71% compares to 67,311,000 in 2007. UK has the highest number of credit cards
issued in Europe followed by France(with 50% lesser cards).
In the same period, there are 4,095,000 cards with a credit and/or delayed debit function in UK, a significant increase of 727,000 or 21.59% compares to 3,368,000 in 2007.
Debit cards increase by 4,625,000 or 6.25% to 78,610,000 in 2008, compares to 73,985,000 in 2007. UK is the second highest country in Europe when it comes to debit cards issued, behind the leader
Germany.
Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
For 2008, UK recorded the highest card payment transactions in Europe with 7,595.00 millions transactions(124.45 transactions per capita), an increase of 395 millions or 5.49% compares to 7,200.00 millions in 2007.
Out of these transactions, 1,791.00 millions or 23.58% is paid by credit cards, a decrease of 15.00 millions or 0.83% compares to 1,806.00 millions in 2007; which is in tandem with the decrease in number of credit cards.
Whereas 179.00 millions is paid by cards with a credit and/or delayed debit function, an increase of 48.00 millions or 36.64% compares to 131.00 millions in 2007; which reflects the impact of 21.59% increase in number of cards.
The rest of card payment transactions(5,625.00 millions) are paid by debit cards, an increase of 362.00 millions or 6.88% compares to 5,263 millions in 2007. UK total card payment
transactions volume contributes 25.78% to the EU total number of transactions, which also happened to be the top contributor.
The total card payments for 2008 is €511.99 billions in value(€8.39 thousands per capita - second highest in Europe), although there is a decrease of €21.86 billions or 3.95% compares to €553.85 billions in 2007,
UK card payments value is still ranked top in Europe. This also translates into €67.4 per card payment transaction, decrease from €76.9 in 2007; which shown payment cards are used for increasingly smaller amounts.
Out of these transactions, €143.36 billions or 28.00% is paid by credit cards, a decrease of €22.32 billions or 13.47% compares to €165.68 billions in 2007 due to drop in number of credit cards. Whereas €26.09 billions
or 5.10% is paid by cards with a credit and/or delayed debit function, an increase of €4.20 billions or 19.19% compares to €21.89 billions in 2007; which is in tandem with the increase of cards with a credit and/or delayed
debit function. The rest of card payments, €342.53 billions in value is paid by debit cards, a decrease of €23.74 billions or 6.48% compares to €366.27 billions in 2007. UK total card payment value contributes 30.47% to the
EU total transactions value, the highest in Europe.