Clever is NOT cards

A huge row blew up before Christmas about the commissions paid by the UK public - that's you and me, by the way! - for the use of credit and debit cards.

The Government has said that it wants all such charges to be "reasonable" i.e. closely related to transaction processing costs, by the end of 2012.

The Government faces an uphill task - but I am delighted that it has at last recognised the huge danger to consumer interests caused by restricting the payment methods the UK public is allowed to use.

Choice is vital if such dangers are to be avoided.

Frankly, I get really angry standing in queues watching the customers in front of me using cards for even the smallest transaction. These misguided people think they are being "clever" using cards. CLEVER!?!?

THEY HAVE SIMPLY BEEN FOOLED BY THE CARD SCHEMES INTO THINKING USING A PIECE OF PLASTIC IS FASHIONABLE.

When falling for the constant barrage of adverts pushed out by the card schemes, we make them far more powerful than they should be.

IF WE ARE NOT CAREFUL, VISA AND MASTERCARD WILL SOON RUN OUR PLANET.

If that happens, we will all be wasting our time voting at General Elections. The UK Government will be less powerful than the card schemes.

Of course cards, both credit and debit, have their uses.

BUT THE UK PUBLIC - AND THE UK ECONOMY - ARE BEST SERVED BY REAL CHOICE IN THE PAYMENTS ENVIRONMENT.

Cash, cheques, direct debits, electronic payments and plastic cards all have a part to play in a healthy UK economy.

So my - and I hope your - New Year resolution for 2012?

KEEP ALL PAYMENT METHODS IN USE FOR THE SAKE OF US ALL.

I will be concentrating on using cash and cheques in 2012. If enough of us follow that route, the card schemes will be kept firmly in their place as bit (or chip?) players in an economy operated to suit the needs of consumers.

In fact, for me, 2012 will be "The Year Of Cash" - and the Card Schemes will have had their chips!

Happy New Year!