Barclays launches first contactless debit cards

Barclays is launching the UK’s first contactless debit cards. The cards will be issued to customers from March, allowing them to pay for goods of £10 or less at special readers without needing to enter a PIN or use a terminal.

It is predicted that more than 3 million customers will have the contactless debit cards by the end of the year. The Visa debit cards will have a chip and pin, which can be used at ATM and normal terminals for larger purchases. The cards will also periodically ask for the PIN to the customer’s identity.

The technology is already available via Visa and Mastercard credit cards across London and is also being rolled out nationwide. Barclays’ credit card arm Barclaycard was the first to introduce contactless technology on credit cards in the UK in September 2007 with the launch of Barclaycard OnePulse, the three-in-one Oyster, credit and contactless card.

Over 8,000 retailers accept contactless payments including outlets of Pret A Manger, Coffee Republic, EAT, Books etc, Krispy Kreme, Threshers and independent retailers.