Barclays launched Barclaycard, the UK’s first credit card, in 1966.
Barclaycard began on 29 June 1966, initially serving customers through Barclays branches. Its introduction brought the revolving-credit card model to the United Kingdom, allowing approved customers to make purchases and repay balances over time under the account’s terms.
The launch followed the development of BankAmericard in the United States. Barclays worked with Bank of America to bring a comparable card system to Britain, although Barclaycard operated under its own brand in the UK.
Barclaycard later became a major British credit-card brand and expanded into wider payment and lending services. It should not be confused with the first payment card ever issued: earlier cards, including Diners Club, existed in the United States.