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The total number of U.S. payment cards-in-force rose 9% at mid-year topping 926 million, setting the pace to pass the one billion milestone in mid 2006. A recently concluded CardWeb.com poll revealed that 52% of Americans carry three or more credit cards. As of June 30th, there were 682.2 million credit cards and 243.8 million off-line debit cards. Over the past five years, credit cards have grown 24% while signature debit cards have expanded by 63%, according to CardData (www.carddata.com). The recent CardWeb.com poll of 10,143 consumers showed 25% carry two credit cards, 20% carry three credit cards and and 13% carry four credit cards. Seven percent said they carry no credit cards while 3% said they had at least 11 credit cards in their wallet.

                Q2 Payment Cards-in-Force
       (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
                      [millions]
                      Credit    Debit    Total
            Q2/01     551.3     149.9    701.2
            Q2/02     597.2     166.4    763.6
            Q2/03     620.8     186.8    807.6
            Q2/04     641.2     207.6    848.8
            Q2/05     682.2     243.8    926.2
           Source: CardData (www.carddata.com)