In message , at 18:23:16 on Sun, 27 May
2012, Tim Roll-Pickering remarked:
Is it just my age or was it only around the turn of the millenium that the
debit card really took off?

The Natwest Maestro/Switch debit card was well into its stride 20 years
ago (replacing their Servicetill cashcard that was launched in the mid
70's).

Yes but were they widely usuable in all high street outlets and restaurants,
or were they the equivalent of Diner's Club - nice to have in your wallet
and a good way to avoid going broke because hardly anyone took them?

Oddly enough, Diners Club was widely accepted by petrol stations in the
late 70's/early 80's.
--
Roland Perry