'Numberless' debit card launched in Spain – a first for Eurozone

Launched by Orange Bank, it is the first 100% mobile debit card, and all the crucial information is stored on the holder's mobile phone App.

According to Mastercard, a total of 67% of purchases have been made by card in Spain in the last few months – and this trend is set to continue, even for a couple of coffees in a bar, given that they are now much more widely accepted.

Card use soared during lockdown, as consumers, retailers and service providers sought to avoid physical cash as it involves touching more surfaces and potentially infecting them with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The Orange Bank 'digital' card is operated by Mastercard and is already available via the App, although users can request a physical card to make contactless payments with – and which will only show the bank's name and the holder's name, not any of the numbers, or the expiry date.

Although not the first of these 'blank' cards Mastercard has produced, the Orange Bank version in Spain is the first to hit the Eurozone.

Freezing, unblocking or cancelling the card or setting a spending limit can also be effected using the Orange Bank App – as is the case with most banking applications and 'standard' debit or credit cards.

Given that it is likely to lead to fewer physical cards being generated, Orange Bank says the new Mastercard is 'better for the environment' as it involves less plastic production.

Whilst expired, cancelled or faulty cards can be recycled, they are generally not, because of the personal information stored on them.

Photograph: Orange Bank