Abstract
This paper uses secondary data to analyze the credit card industry along five constructs: (1) Competitive analysis: Porter's Five Forces and PEST analysis, (2) monopoly vs. perfect competition, (3) standardization vs. localization, (4) competition vs. collaboration and (5) revolutionary vs. evolutionary change. The author points out that the existing credit card industry is a mature market, but it still has room to grow as more people become familiar with the allied financial services their credit and debit cards can provide. The paper relates that VISA enjoys the most powerful credit/debit card position in consumer cards especially in business credit cards, with it has extensive and integrated work in payments processing; however, the founders of First Data/Concord EFS were particularly aggressive business people. Many tables and charts.

Table of Contents
Introduction
In Brief
Background
Flies in the First Data Ointment
Objective
Methodology
Structure of the Dissertation
Literature Review
Competitive analysis
Porter's Five Forces
Porter's Five Forces Example
PEST Analysis
Economic Factors
Socio-Cultural Factors
Technological Factors
Literature Review
Monopoly vs. Perfect Competition
Standardization vs. Localization
National Initiatives
Competition vs. Collaboration
Revolutionary vs. Evolutionary Change
Opportunities
Overview of Credit and Debit Card Industries
Top Ten Card Issuers Compared
Bank Card Profitability
Differences between Credit and Debit Cards
U.S. Payment Cards-in-Force (in millions)
Off-Line Debit History
Top 10 U.S. Issuers by Card Loans
Developed vs. Less Developed Nations' Credit Card Use
VISA Volume
2003 Top 10 Countries
Global Financial Cards in Circulation - 2003
Corporate /Commercial vs. Consumer Use
Analysis of VISA's Strategy
VISA's Strengths
VISA's Weaknesses
VISA's Opportunities
VISA's Threats
STP Strategy (Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning)
Conclusion
Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"From the merchant's point of view, the merger was seen as one that would give them an alternative to VISA and MasterCard. Shortly after the merger, major STAR network contracts with high-profile banks such as Wells Fargo, Wachovia and BankOne were set to expire; this opened the field to some turmoil, in all likelihood, because VISA was already making a play to sign the same institutions for its processing and acceptance capabilities. FirstData/Concord was assumed to have the upper hand, however because analysts thought those two institutions, despite their disparate original sizes, understood contracts of that sort and banks themselves better then VISA. As it turns out, STAR did lose some of its bank contracts, reducing the value of the merger somewhat from the First Data standpoint."

Tags:billpay, constructs, star, debit, aggressive

Abstract
In the first part of this paper, the writer discusses the rise in credit card use and looks at the reasons behind this increase. The writer then examines how the availability of easy credit caused a fundamental shift in American tastes. The writer also evaluates how these trends could affect a consumer's purchasing power, the credit industry, and even the national economy. The writer concludes that a combination of consumerism, economic need and the easy availability of credit have contributed to the revolving debt figures in the US. Further, the writer argues that as more people become knowledgeable about credit and are turning to debit cards and cash, creditors will have to devise new ways to encourage credit spending.

Outline:
Credit History
Credit Aftermath
Economic Effects
Works Cited

From the Paper
"Previous research has suggested that only a small amount of credit-card holding households were responsible for the vast majority of credit card debt. Others have shown that as credit cards became more common forms of payment, average balances increased across the board. The fact that credit cards became more readily available in the early 1990s partly accounts for this phenomenon, and tends to support the latter conclusions. It is far more likely that all people are using credit cards more, rather than merely a fraction of American households."
"Bernthal et al attributes this increase in revolving debt to intense competition among lenders. There was therefore a strong incentive for lenders to extend loans to riskier households. In the 1980s, credit cards were seen as a status symbol, only acquired by those who had disposable income. By 1995, however, the average credit card holder had lower income and was more likely to be single. The average credit card holder was also more likely to rent rather than own their home, worked in a blue collar profession and often carried higher credit card balances."

Tags:debt, payment, borrowing, balances

From the Paper
"On the surface, the smart card is a means of gathering up loose change and loose economic threads, and moving toward a cashless society. In the real world, almost everyone carries paper money, coins, credit cards, checks, and the occasional debit card. These are the currently accepted financial instruments used in everyday transactions of money and credit. One or all of these instruments are accepted by whomever we choose to do business with. As the year 2000 draws near, the likelihood exists that stored value cards, often known as smart cards, will all but eclipse the use of small bills and coins (Morrall, 1995)."

Abstract
For many, automated teller machines (ATMs) are simply a way of life. There were introduced nearly 20 years ago and today, many bank customers never go into a branch after opening their account. But today's ATM cards can also be used to make purchases at retail outlets and even on the World Wide Web, another innovation which was not envisioned 20 years ago. The videophone has become video conferencing, and cameras which use film may be made obsolete by cameras which use a floppy disk for recording images. Electronic pagers, once the purview of doctors and others who needed to be notified in case of emergencies, have now become commonplace and are used to summon diners to their table.

From the Paper
"Introduction
For many, automated teller machines (ATMs) are simply a way of life. There were introduced nearly 20 years ago and today, many bank customers never go into a branch after opening their account. But today's ATM cards can also be used to make purchases at retail outlets and even on the World Wide Web, another innovation which was not envisioned 20 years ago. The videophone has become video conferencing, and cameras which use film may be made obsolete by cameras which use a floppy disk for recording images. Electronic pagers, once the purview of doctors and others who needed to be notified in case of emergencies, have now become commonplace and are used to summon diners to their table. This research examines each of these technologies and considers how the impact of technology extends beyond its stated use."

Abstract
The development of cards which can access different monetary services electronically has been the major boost to electronic commerce. Many computer users today are accessing commercial enterprises on the Internet, but millions more have indulged in a different form of electronic commerce simply by using their ATM card, debit card, or credit card in the course of daily business. The dissemination of such cards has been part of a long-term and evolving marketing strategy on the part of banks and other financial institutions to change the way people do business both with their banks and with retailers of various sorts.

From the Paper
"NEW WAYS TO PAY

INTRODUCTION
The development of cards which can access different monetary services electronically has been the major boost to electronic commerce. Many computer users today are accessing commercial enterprises on the Internet, but millions more have indulged in a different form of electronic commerce simply by using their ATM card, debit card, or credit card in the course of daily business. The dissemination of such cards has been part of a long-term and evolving marketing strategy on the part of banks and other financial institutions to change the way people do business both with their banks and with retailers of various sorts. Some believe this could one day lead to a cashless society where all commerce is conducted through the use of plastic cards with ..."

From the Paper
"Introduction
In 1991, the first Planet Hollywood opened in Manhattan; in the following four years, the chain grew to 28 outlets with locations from Honolulu to Helsinki. Each time a new restaurant opens, some of the more famous owners, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone, are part of the opening festivities. Inside the restaurant, which features burgers, chili and similar fare, diners sit among props from movies and are able to purchase Planet Hollywood merchandise, including jackets and baseball caps; in some locations, the merchandise is available well before the restaurant opens for business. The result is that the restaurant chain has posted significant profits in an industry typically characterized by low profit margins, and an initial public offering was favorable.."

From the Paper
"ELECTRONIC BANKING
Introduction
This research reviews the trends in electronic banking. Debit cards, so-called "smart cards" (such as Mondex), and other trends in the application of information technology are reviewed...'

From the Paper
"The International Banking Industry
Introduction and Statement of Purpose
As the world's banks enter the new millennium, they face a confusing paradox. On the one hand, they need to be bigger, more diversified, and offer more comprehensive services in order to compete globally. On the other hand, in a rapidly changing market, on the most agile and nimble will survive - let alone expand and increase profitability (Keeler, 2000). Banking has moved from a bordered, domestic set of activities to a truly international orientation. This is being driven by market factors encouraging mergers and consolidations, along with other forms of affiliation that are reshaping this entire sector (Keeler, 2000).
McMillan (1999) stated that the banking world enters the new millennium .."

Abstract
This paper describes the initiatives in regard to upgrading convenience banking within BB&T, but also to identifying current issues which could use improvement. A SWOT analysis gives an in-depth picture of BB&T's current market position, its internal weaknesses, and external opportunities and threats. This is followed by a history of convenience banking and initiatives, such as extended hours. Various other programs at BB&T which attract convenience banking customers are also highlighted. The paper concludes by citing the advantages of convenience banking but also pointing out the areas that need to be improved. The paper includes a table.

TOC:
BB&T
SWOT Analysis
History of Convenience Initiatives
Convenience Initiatives and Improvement Plan
Coin Deposit Center
Instant Issue Debit Card Machine
Fleet of Volkswagen Bugs
Conclusions

From the Paper
"In addition, Coastal Federal implemented a more flexible means of offering customer services. It revolved around the offering of 24/7 online services, cash management services and an extensive network of ATMs. These were already existent at BB&T, but were further emphasized as a result of the merger. Furthermore, Coastal Federal launched a free gift program, which rewarded customers opening a new account or referring friends to the bank. Instant issues debit card machines were also introduced, alongside with the Penny Pavilion, a free coin counter, found in the lobby of each subsidy. Finally, the banking institution also launched a nine Volkswagen Bugs and Checks/ Check Card shared program. The latter initiative saw that customers could bring in old checks or debit cards and that the bank would offer a $10.00 credit in exchange for them. This latter initiative was the single one which was not approved by BB&T and as a result, Coastal Federal removed it from its product and service offering in early 2007."

Tags:coin deposits, online banking, instant issue debit card machines

Abstract
This paper explains that Tesco's success occurred because the company found new and better ways of selling people food and other items, pioneering in Internet shopping, developing large out-of-town stores selling numerous products, investing in local 'express' stores, slashing the prices on hundreds of goods, creating new lines catering to the quality market, and establishing a brand image. The author points out that one of Tesco's key competitive weapons in the battle for retail supremacy has been its Clubcard loyalty scheme and the subsequent launch of the Clubcard Plus debit card. The paper relates that, to increase its success in its food retail operations, Tesco significantly increased its investments in food store development in low-income areas, including a significant investment in local work force training to develop literacy and retail skills and employee training programs.

From the Paper
"For many years, competitor Sainsbury's was the premier supermarket in the United Kingdom, but it lost its leadership position in the 1990's to Tesco, which remains the largest British supermarket in the UK, with over 2,000 stores. By 2003, Sainsbury's slipped to No. 3, behind Walmart-backed Asda, another UK supermarket chain. One of the main reasons for Tesco's rise to the top was its slashed prices. Tesco now dominates the United Kingdom supermarket sector with a market share of 28 percent, followed by Asda with 16.9 percent, with Sainsbury trailing behind at 15.3 percent."

Tags:sainsbury, brand, pioneer, loyalty, low-income