First Direct to switch to MasterCard Debit Cards

colsten

Smartphones would be the obvious device to hold a digital card, or act as a digital payment device. They're not the only ones, though - there are already a multitude of wearable gadgets that can serve the same purpose. Apple Watch and some Samsung and Garmin watches have payment capabilities, so you don't need to carry a phone when out shopping. I suppose you'd still need a smartphone to initially set up the facility, but I can image that the techno whizzkids will come up with wearable devices that won't need a smartphone. These devices will become more and more affordable as technology advances and use increases.

I can't remember when I last used my smartphone to make purchase in a bricks and mortar shop. It's certainly a lot longer than when I last used a physical debit or credit card to make a payment. - I pay for everything with my Apple Watch (which also does other useful things such as count my steps, remind me of appointments, has my loyalty cards and my train tickets, measures my heart rate, plays music when I am on a run, lets me listen to radio, lets me receive and make calls, and rings 999 if I fall over and nobody is there to help me etc etc).

Of course I appreciate that not everybody has, or wants, such technology but I am certain that the majority of people will. Like we moved from cheque books and swipe cards to chip & PIN, we'll move to digital as the prevalent payment method. Doesn't mean that there aren't still people for a considerable time who will be writing cheques, or even use cash.

Eco_Miser

EarthBoy said:

However, I wouldn't be surprised if debit cards become optional, and they only send them out if you request them.

Technically, that's already the case with some banks.

When I opened my second Lloyd's Vantage account (those were the days) I was asked if I wanted a debit card, and declined. When my Lloyds Club card expired last February, Lloyds said that as I hadn't used the card they would not replace it unless I asked for one.

I haven't got a new card for my Santander  account either.

colsten

Same for BoS and Halifax - if you don't use the card, they don't automatically send you a new one when the old one is about to expire. Sensible measure as it save on plastic and unnecessary processing costs. It would be nice if they offered a virtual card though.

[Deleted User]

I have started a new thread on this tonight, I recieved one today and have included pictures  

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6271238/new-first-direct-debit-mastercard-arrived-today#latest

I have also included important information in regards to the use of HSBC cash deposit machines, which will be temporary unavailable with the debit mastercards, I am assuming its due to some sort of system update that needs to happen for the machines to be compatible with them.