The payment company Visa Europe, has stated that use of their cards had increased in 2008, than in comparison to the year before.

European consumers were found to have increased their spending with their Visa debit and credit cards by more than ten per cent in this financial year (2008).

Visa Europe also revealed that spending at point of sale was up by 10.3 per cent, despite well documented difficulties, being apparent in the economy. Large amounts of debt have been cited as one reason for the UK's unstable financial position.

However, figures released by the company suggested that the message on the dangers of debt is getting through to consumers. While Visa credit card spending was up by 7.1 per cent, debit cards saw a greater increase of 10.9 per cent. Furthermore, the number of credit cards in use rose by just 1.5 per cent, compared with 7.1 per cent for debit cards.

Peter Ayliffe, Visa Europe chief executive, said: "The use of Visa debit cards at point of sale is up by almost 11 percent in Europe and over 70 per cent of spend is now on debit, proving that we're actively displacing cash and cheques at tills. When consumers are managing their money, they have recognised that debit is the safer and more convenient alternative to cash."