Contents

 1 INTRODUCTION:
o 1.1 Introduction to Plastic Money
o 1.2 Meaning
o 1.3 Definition
o 1.4 History of Credit Cards and Debit Cards In Plastic Money
o 1.5 Credit Card Origins
o 1.6 Plastic Becomes the Standard
o 1.7 Bank Card Associations
o 1.8 Debit Cards Emerge
o 1.9 The Future
 2 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES :
 3 METHOD AND METHODOLOGY :
o 3.1 Primary data collection:
o 3.2 Through personal interviews:-
o 3.3 Through questionnaire:-
o 3.4 Through Tele-Calling:-
o 3.5 Secondary sources of data:
 4 DETAIL REPORT OF PROJECT :
o 4.1 Definition:-
o 4.2 Meaning:-
o 4.3 Advantages of Plastic Money
o 4.4 Disadvantages of Plastic Money
 5 ANALYSIS OF DATA :
 6 CONCLUSION:
 7 DISCUSSION:
 8 ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCE :

Introduction to Plastic Money

Plastic money or polymer money, made out of plastic, is a new and easier way of paying for goods and
services. Plastic money was introduced in the 1950s and is now an essential form of ready money which
reduces the risk of handlings a huge amount of cash. It includes Debit cards, ATMs, smart cards, etc.
Credit cards, variants of plastic money, are used as substitutes for currency.

Meaning
Plastic money refers to credit cards, we use them whenever we want and pay later (with interest, of
course). It makes it too easy for us to buy things we normally could not afford, which makes it easier to
get into debt.

Definition
A slang phrase for credit cards, especially when such cards used to make purchases. The “plastic” portion
of this term refers to the plastic construction of credit cards, as opposed to paper and metal currency. The
“money” portion is an erroneous reference to credit cards as a form of money, which they are not.
Although credit cards do facilitate transactions, because they are a liability rather than an asset, they are
not money and not part of the economy’s money supply.
History of Credit Cards and Debit Cards In Plastic
Money
Credit cards have evolved into a safe and secure manner to purchase goods and services. The internet has
given credit card users additional purchasing power. Banks have options like cash-back rewards, saving
plans and other incentives to entice people to use their cards. Debit cards allow people the convenience of
cards without the worry of racking up debt. The convenience, security, and rewards offered by credit and
debit cards keep shoppers using their cards as opposed to cheques or cash.

Credit Card Origins

The first credit cards were issued by individual stores and merchants. These cards were issued in limited
locations and only accepted by the business that issued them. While the cards were convenient for the
customers, they also provided customer loyalty and customer service benefit, which was good for both
customer and merchant. It was not until 1950 that the Dinner’s Club card was created by a restaurant
patron who forgot his wallet and realized there needed to be an alternative to cash only. This started the
first credit card specifically for widespread use, even though it was primarily used for entertainment and
travel expenses.

Plastic Becomes the Standard

The first Diner’s Club cards were made out of cardboard or celluloid. In 1959 American Express changed
all that with the first card made of plastic. American Express created a system of making an impression of
the card presented at the register for payment. Then that impression was billed to the customer and due
in full each month. Several American Express cards till
operating like this as of 2010. It was not until the late 1980s that American Express began allowing
people to pay their balance over time with additional card options.

Bank Card Associations

In 1966, Bank of America created a card that was a general purpose card or “open loop” card. These
“closed loop” agreements limited cards like Diners Club and American Express to certain merchants,
unlike the new “open loop” cards.
The new general purpose system required interbank cooperation and additional regulations. To
his created additional safety features and began building the credit card system of today. Two systems
emerged as the leaders–Visa and Master Card. However, today there is little difference between the two
and most merchants accept both card associations.

Debit Cards Emerge

The Visa association of cards took credit cards to a new level in 1989when they introduced debit cards. These
cards linked consumers to their checking accounts. Money was now drawn from a checking account at the point
of sale with these new cards and replaced check writing. This helped the merchants check that money was
available and made it easier to track the customer if the funds could not be obtained. Consumers liked the
 convenience of not having to write checks at the point of sale, which made debit cards a safe alternative to cash
and checks.

The Future
There were almost 29 million debit card users as of 2006, with a projected 34.4 million users by 2016.
However, online services like PayPal are emerging as a way for people to pay their debts in new, secure
and convenient ways. Technology also exists to have devices implanted into phones, keys, and other
everyday devices so that the ability to pay at the point of sale is even more convenient.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES :

To study the merits and demerits of plastic money based on experiences of people

Objectives of the project are as follows

 To study the merits of plastic money

 To study the demerits of plastic money
 To study how plastic money is changing today’s world
 To study how scammers take advantage of common peoples
 To study how time-saving plastic money can be
 To study how to use plastic money worldwide

METHOD AND METHODOLOGY :

Research Methodology refers to the search of knowledge .one can also define research methodology as a
scientific and systematic search for required information on a specific topic. The
word research methodology comes from the word “advanced
learner’s dictionary meaning of research as a careful
investigation or inquiry especially through research for new facts in my branch of knowledge, for
example, some author has to define research methodology as systematized effort to gain new knowledge

Primary data collection:

In dealing with the real-life problem it is often found that data at hand are inadequate, and hence, it
becomes necessary to collect data that is appropriate. There are several ways of collecting the appropriate
data which differ considerably in the context of money costs, time and other resources at the disposal of
the researcher

Through personal interviews:-

A rigid procedure was followed and we were seeking answers to many pre-conceived questions through
personal interviews.
Through questionnaire:-
Information to find out the investment potential and goal was found out through questionnaires.

Through Tele-Calling:-
Information was also taken through telephone calls.

Secondary sources of data:

In the secondary sources of data is used. (Internet, magazine, books, journals)

DETAIL REPORT OF PROJECT :

A credit card is a small plastic card issued to users as a system of payment. It allows its holder to buy
goods and services based on the holder’s promise to pay for these goods and services. The issuer of the
card grants a line of credit to the consumer or the user) from which the user can borrow money for
payment to a merchant or as a cash advance to the user. Usage of the term “credit card” to imply a credit
card account is a metonym. When a purchase is made the user would indicate consent to pay by signing a
receipt with a record of the card details and indicating the amount to be paid. The issuer agrees to pay the
merchant and the credit card user agrees to pay the card issuer.

Definition:-
The credit card can be defined as “A small plastic card that allows its holder to buy goods and services on
credit and to pay at fixed intervals through the card issuing agency.

Meaning:-
A credit card is a card or mechanism which enables the cardholder to purchase goods, travels and dine in
a hotel without making immediate payments. The holders can use the cards to get credit from banks up to
45days. The credit card relieves the consumers from the botheration of carrying cash and ensures
safety. It is a convenience of extended credit without formality. This credit card is a passport to, “safety,
convenience, prestige, and credit.
 Advantages of Plastic Money
The benefits of a credit card can be grouped as follows:

(A) Benefits to Bank

 A credit card is an integral part of banks major services these days. The credit card provides the
following advantages to the bank. The system provides an opportunity for the bank to attract new
potential customers.
 To get new customers the bank has to employee special trained staff. This gives the bank an
opportunity to find the latent talent from among existing staff that would have been otherwise wasted.
 The most important function of a credit card, however, is simply to yield a direct profit for the bank.
There is a scope and a potential for better profitability out of income/ commission earned from the
traders turn over.
 This also provides additional customer services to existing clients. It enhances customer satisfaction.
 More use by the cardholder and consequently the growth of banking habits in general.
 The better network of cardholders and increased use of cards means higher popularity and image of the
bank
 Savings of expense on cash holdings, i.e. stationery, printing, and
manpower to handle clearing transactions while considerably is reduced.
Also, check out this project on Cashless Economy CBSE Board. It will provide you all the valuable data
related to cashless economies like credit cards, debit cards, bank transfer etc
(B) Benefits to Card Holder

The principal benefits of a cardholder are:

 He can purchase goods and services at a large number of outlets without

cash or cheque. The card is useful in an emergency and can save embarrassment.
 The risk factor for carrying and storing cash is avoided. It is convenient for him to carry a credit card
and he has trouble-free travel and may purchase without carrying cash or cheque.
 Months purchases can be settled with a single remittance, thus, tending to reduce bank and handling
charges.
 The cardholder has the period of free credit usually between 30-50 days of purchase.
 Cash can usually be obtained with the card, either on card account or by using it as identification when
encasings a cheque at the bank.
 Availing credit with minimum formality.
 The credit card saves trouble and paperwork to the traveling businessman.
(C) Benefits to the Merchant Establishment

The principal benefits offer a credit card to the retailer is:-

 This will carry prestigious weight to the outlets.

 Increases in a sale because of the increased purchasing power of the cardholder due to unbilled credit
available to the cardholder.
 The retailers gain from impulse buying and trading up to the tendency to buy a bigger or better article.
 Credit card ensures timely and certainly of payments.
 Suppliers/ sellers no longer have to send reminders of outstanding debts.
 Systematic accounting since sales receipts is routed through banking channels.
 Advertising and promotional support on a national scale.
 Development of prestigious clientele base.

Disadvantages of Plastic Money

The following are the common disadvantages of the credit card:
 Some credit card transactions take longer time than cash transactions because of various formalities.
 The customer tends to overspend out of immense happiness.
 Discounts and rebates can rarely be obtained.
 The cardholder is responsible for charges due to loss or theft of the card and the bank may not be a
party for loss due to fraud or collusion of staff, etc
 Customers may be denied a cash discount for payment through the card.
 It might lead to spending habits and cardholders may end up in big debts
 Avoid the entire cost and security problem involved in handling cash.
 Losses to bad debts and reduced additional liquidity is
 It also allows him to delegate spending power to add on members
 A credit card is considered as a status symbol.
Issuer:
The financial institution or other organization that issued the credit card to the cardholder.

The flow of information and money between these parties — always through the card associations — is
known as the interchange, and it consists of a few steps:

1. Authorization:–
The cardholder pays for the purchase and the merchant submits the transaction to the acquirer. The
acquirer verifies with the issuer — almost instantly — that the card number and transaction amount are
both valid, and then processes the transaction for the cardholder.
2. Batching:–After the transaction is authorized it is then stored in a batch, which the merchant sends to
the acquirer later to receive payment (usually at the end of the day).
3. Clearing and settlement:-
The acquirer sends the transactions in the batch through the card association, which debits the issuers
for payment and credits the acquirer. In effect, the issuers pay the acquirer for the transactions.
4. Funding:-
Once the acquirer has been paid, the merchant receives payment. The amount the merchant receives is
equal to the transaction amount minus the discount rate, which is the fee the merchant pays the acquirer
for processing the transaction. The entire process, from authorization to funding, usually takes about 3
days. However, Merchant Card Processing from some banks and financial institutions can offer next-
day deposits to their customers with a business checking account. In the event of a chargeback (when
there’s an error in processing the transaction or the cardholder disputes the transaction), the issuer
returns the transaction to the acquirer for resolution. The acquirer then forwards the chargeback to the
merchant, who must either accept the chargeback or contest it.

ANALYSIS OF DATA :
 Following are the findings that are drawn from the study:

 Respondents taken for this study are those who are using plastic money in their daily life.
 62% of the respondents believe that plastic money is the currency of modern India.
 69% of respondents own one debit card and 25% owns two debit cards.
 People have less craze for a credit card. Only 28% of the respondents have a credit card.
 Respondents mostly prefer the plastic money of SBI Bank, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank.
 34% using the cards for the last 3 years and the trend of plastic money has emerged from the last few
years.
 Most people use the cards for shopping and withdrawal of money- plastic money is mostly preferred at
the time of shopping.
 A debit card is more beneficial according to 36% of respondents.
 A debit card provides security to the cardholders.
 20% of respondents are dissatisfied that debit card is free from fraud.
 Most people agreed that a debit card provides the facility for anytime access. Anytime you can
withdraw your money.
 A credit card is a convenient way to pay agreed by most of the respondents.
 A credit card provides prestige to holders having the tie-up with the famous card companies it provides
a sense of pride.
 30% cardholder agreed that the plastic money holders have to tackle the problem of insecurity.
 Cardholders have to fulfill the unnecessary formalities while obtaining the card.
 Plastic money has a rapid growth in the coming years.
The growth credit card in India is still very slow. Companies are going really hard to increase the sale of
credit cards.

CONCLUSION:
In the last two years, spending pattern through plastic money has changed drastically. Travelling, dining,
and jewelry are the top three purchases that Indian makes through credit cards. Two years ago, it was
jewelry and apparel purchases that formed the largest chunk of purchases through plastic money. Fuel
accounts for a very small portion of credit card purchases as these are largely paid through debit cards.

Consumers were not only more open to the possibility of owning a financial card but were also more than
willing to use their cards to settle dues. The status symbol aspect of owning and using cards too played its
part in bringing about such robust growth over the space of a single year. Debit cards, in particular,
proved immensely popular.

According to projections for the 2003-2008 period, the number of financial cards in circulation will
register a compounded annual growth rate of nearly 51 percent sp the satisfaction of consumers has also
increased. There are many ethical issues and challenges for plastic money issuing banks/ companies.
Security relating to the card should be the first priority for each bank/company.

Consumers are preferring these cards mostly for shopping online E-commerce has given a better way to
use plastic money.

At last, it is concluded that plastic money has a very bright future in the coming years because of the
increasing trend of E-commerce.

DISCUSSION:
Some people prefer the simplicity of debit cards: you buy something and your money goes away. My
friend elaborates

“I have a debit card (with no fees or anything) and hope I never have to get a credit card. With a debit
card, I pay exactly what the item is worth and no more since there is no interest. I don’t have to jump
through any hoops for “miles” or “points” or any other nonsense. What it boils down to is that debit card
is the simple choice for people that want to spend the money they have without actually carrying any
around or any of the conditions associated with a credit card.”
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
My profound gratitude to all the faculty members of the Department, for their timely assistance and
encouragement throughout my research work.

I duly acknowledge the encouragement and support of the research scholars in the department, and all my
colleagues and friends.

It gives me immense pleasure to take the opportunity to all the people who are directly or indirectly
involved in the completion of my project based on Study of merits and demerit of plastic money based
on experiences of people
With deep reverence, I offer my deepest gratitude _____, without whom this project could not have been
fulfilled.

Lastly, I thank Almighty, my parents, family members, friends and teachers for their constant
encouragement and support without which this project would not be possible.

Name of School/College

BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCE :
 Kothari C.R, “Research Methodology: Research and Techniques”; Vishwa Prakashan, New Delhi,
4thedition.
 E.gordan and Natrajan, Financial Services, Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai. 5th edition.
 College Student using the Credit Card
 Smart card based Electronics Commerce characteristics and Roles
 Credit card and Debit cards: What new? Where to?
 Competition and Credit and Debit card Interchange Fees
 Theory of Credit card Networks: A survey of Literature
 An introduction to the economics of payment card networks
 Credit card crisis in South Korea
 Ethical Issues and Challenges
 www.rba.gov.au
 www.federalreserve.gov
 www.direct.gov.uk
 www.paypal.com
 www.google.com

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