New Research: French Credit Card Market One of the Most Sophisticated in Europe

Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Payment Cards in France 2005″ to their offering.

France has one of the most sophisticated card markets in Europe, with deferred debit cards being the preferred choice. However the market is characterised by a highly regulatory environment with tough barriers to entry. The briefing provides an overview of the current position of France in the cards market and analyses its potential in the forthcoming years.

Scope of this title:

• The focus of the briefing is on consumer payment cards, as opposed to commercial products.

• Data and analysis is provided on the following card types: debit cards, deferred debit and charge cards and revolving credit cards.

• The briefing parameters extend to card issuance only. Merchant acquiring and card processing are not covered.

• Demographic and economic indicators are compared to other European countries.

Highlights of this title:

• In France consumers are comfortable and familiar with using cards as a payment tool, with the most popular being deferred debit cards. General purpose revolving cards are comparatively rare, with the private label sector accounting for the bulk of card-based borrowing.

• Card issuers face a tough regulatory environment in France. There are no credit bureaux and usury rates are set by the government. Groupement Cartes Bancaires has prohibited its members from entering co-branded alliances and affinity partnerships.

• In order to develop the revolving credit card market further, certain regulations need to be relaxed in order to promote competition and innovation in the market and also to knock down barriers to entry for foreign players.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c33715