Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present exploratory research into the holding and usage of credit cards by a distinct segment of the Chinese population, who are “early adopters” of this product. Design/methodology/approach – Primary data collection using survey methodology. A...

Purpose – This paper aims to discuss the prevention of complacency regarding payment card fraud, particularly the debit card. Design/methodology/approach – Based on research already carried out on payment card fraud in France, Spain and the UK, the paper extends the analysis of fraud to the...

Purpose – The financial crisis and the subsequent distrust of the existing banks have created an opportunity for new competitors to enter the market for financial services. Organisations from outside banking could use their trusted brands, their stronger grasp of information technology and...

Following a discussion of the total United Kingdom market for plastic cards, detailed information is given about the number and nature of retailer credit cards (store cards) currently issued in the United Kingdom. Retailers in the USA and Italy are already competing with the traditional...

Examines the history and economics of the credit card before describing the origins of the affinity card concept both in the USA and the UK. Explores different strategies of some major UK affinity card issuers and the aspirations of the affinity groups with whom a mutually beneficial...

The credit card industry in the UK has a growing number of affinity cards, some of which are specifically aimed at the alumni of universities. Discusses the evolution of the relationship between the university alumni officers and the credit card issuers responsible for the alumni affinity cards....

The harsh market environment has led to fierce levels of competition within the personal financial services sector, where banks, building societies and other providers of financial services have been criticized for offering sophisticated consumers undifferentiated products. With customer...

Examines the relationship between the financial institution that issues the affinity credit card and one of the recognized affinity groups on whose behalf the card is issued, the alumni of higher education institutions. Builds on previous research and publications (Worthington and Horne, 1995,...

To enable research to be conducted into the validity of the relationship marketing paradigm, a model has been developed which allows researchers to test the characteristics of the relationship at any point in time. This model is rooted in the biological sciences and is based around the concept...

Considers distribution in the financial services. Financial services providers face a wide choice in the combinations of channels that they can employ to market their products. Asserts that plastic cards are increasingly replacing paper cheques and credits and have become a key channel of...