As the introduction of a card-only system of payment draws nearer, it is feared that it will encourage an increase in difficulties with personal debt and eventual bankruptcy.
In an attempt to make shopping and spending faster, Visa Europe and MasterCard are to launch the new contactless card system which will mean quick payment via plastic, initially for small purchases.
As spending money is set to become much easier, even effortless without the need to wait in long queues at the till, the number of people with financial difficulties could spiral out of control.