Introduction

Payment Cards in France is an invaluable guide to one of Europe's most sophisticated card markets. The report provides statistics on market size, competitor market shares and acceptance. It also provides an overview of regulation, competitor activities, product innovation and market forecasts. It concludes with an analysis of the French market.

Scope of this research

• The focus of the report is on consumer payment cards, as opposed to commercial card products.
• Data and analysis provided on debit cards, credit cards and deferred debit and charge cards.
• The report parameters extend to card issuance only. Merchant acquiring and card processing are not covered.
• Historic market data is presented for 2002-06, with forecasts presented to 2011. Competitor shares for card issuers are presented for 2006.

Research and analysis highlights

In 2007, ahead of introduction of rules for Single Euro Payment Area, which aims to free up competition in the payment card industry across the entire EU, Groupement des Cartes Bancaires announced that it will allow card issuers to enter into co-branded partnerships as of January 2008.

Deferred debit and charge cards account for the largest share of total transaction values in France. At the end of 2006, the value of these transactions was EUR206.1 billion, which is equal to 61.7% of the market share.

Over the last year contactless payment trials in France saw the introduction of the first EMV-enabled contactless payment card in Europe.

Key reasons to purchase this research

• Learn how the French consumer payment card market has developed over the last five years.
• Understand recent developments in the market in terms of consolidation, new entrants and product innovations.
• Use of Datamonitor's five year forecasts for the market to plan your future strategy.