3. Early and widespread use of debit cards has facilitated the growth of the online economy
Consumers in the UK are far more comfortable and likely to pay using plastic than many other countries, and the UK has had cards since 1966 beginning with the launch of the Barclaycard. Today over 48% of UK retail sales are paid for using debit cards (i.e. charge cards). This is in stark contrast to other countries in Europe which have a greater preference for the use of cash by consumers.