New research from First Data indicates that the pre-paid market
is set to see significant growth in the UK, Austria, Germany and
Italy over the coming 12 months, as more people look to use
pre-paid cards to help them take control of their spending.
In Italy, 66% of respondents have purchased a pre-paid card in
the last 12 months and 73% expect to over the next year. In the UK
only 21% bought one in the last year, but three times as many - 63%
- expect to next year. In Germany and Austria, about a quarter
purchased a pre-paid card in the last year, and this looks set to
increase to nearly half in the next 12 months.
Overall, 55% felt that a pre-paid card would be an effective
tool to help control their spending and assist with money
management.
There are also differences between countries in the way
customers want to buy pre-paid cards. For Germans, banks are the
preferred purchase channel for all types except gift cards. In the
UK, three quarters of respondents cite supermarkets as the
preferred channel for all except travel cards, while in Italy the
majority of consumers would look to the post office to purchase
their pre-paid cards.
About two-thirds want to receive information regarding pre-paid
offerings through online media and 46% would like to be able to
purchase gift cards via the Web.
Ukash is a globally recognised alternative payment method that
enables consumers to shop, pay and play online using cash. Ukash
can help customers to stay in control of their spending when
shopping online because there is no "account" - you simply buy the
amount of Ukash vouchers required. This can aid budget management
by eliminating the risk of over-spending and allowing customers to
see where their money is going.
www.ukash.com