Over on Payments Views, our sister blog, Glenbrook's Russ Jones shares his thoughts on where POS steering may be headed this year, commenting "several of Glenbrook’s merchant clients are already developing their strategies for rewarding customers that select low cost payment methods at the point of sale."

Earlier today, the British Retail Consortium published its Cost of Payment Collection Survey 2009. The survey, based on data covering 53% of total UK retail sales, found that debit cards are the most used form of payment representing 44% of UK retail sales. Cash represents 32% of sales - but 58% of transactions - while credit cards represent 21% of sales. Cheques acceptance is minimal - only 1% of sales.

In terms of costs per transaction, debit cards were 8.5 pence, cash 2.1 pence, credit cards 33.3 pence, charge cards 50.3 pence and cheques 38.6 pence. The weighted average costs across all tender types was 8 pence.

In a separate press release also issued today, the BRC asked for the UK Government to intervene the reduce the fees retailers pay to banks for card acceptance.

American Express has launched ZYNC from American Express, a new charge card it says is "designed for and with a new generation of Cardmembers in their 20s and 30s. Offered in beta since December 2009, the ZYNC Card brings together the financial control of the pay-in-full Charge Card with the added flexibility to select bundles of rewards and benefits called “Packs” that are tailored to specific lifestyle interests and spending habits in categories such as music, fashion, food, travel and more." READ MORE »

In an article titled "Tamer Cards for Tougher Times", Mary Pilon writes for the Wall St. Journal about how charge cards are returning to consumers' wallets as card issuers adjust to tough economic times by reducing credit availability. Charge cards don't revolve - they must be paid off in full each month.