THE Laser debit card, introduced by banks and building societies last April, is now used for about 250,000 transactions each month involving sales of about £10 million. Introducing a new £500,000 advertising campaign yesterday, Laser scheme manager Mr John Blunden said 200,000 customers now have cards and 4,000 retailers accept it in payment for goods and services.

The Laser card, which is available from 10 financial institutions, is an electronic payment system. The payment is automatically deducted from the customer's bank or building society account within days. Card holders can use the card to obtain up to £75 in cash at some outlets.

The Laser card is aimed at replacing paper transactions, especially cheques, which are most costly for the financial institutions to operate. It differs from a credit cards because there is no credit on Laser card transactions - customers must have cash in their accounts to cover the purchase. Usage of the card is growing very quickly, according to Mr Blunden.