The first half of 2006 saw record spending on plastic payment methods - such as UK credit cards and debit cards , according to Apacs, the UK payments association.
Figures published today show that consumers using credit cards helped to contribute to the £25 billion that was put on plastic during this period.
Apacs has also revealed today that credit card spending in June reached £10.2 billion and that consumers placed £16.2 billion onto their debit cards.
Commenting on the study, Sandra Quinn, director of communications at Apacs, said: "Our figures show that while there are certain situations when we prefer to use a credit card rather than a debit card, there is a continuing trend to pay more frequently by debit card ."
Ms Quinn also adds that this research shows that as a nation, the UK is "keeping tighter control" over its finances .
Apacs represents those who deliver payment services to consumers - its members' traffic account for 97 per cent of the UK's payment market .
It also works to combat fraud related to credit cards and other payment methods.




