Barclaycard: How a Bungling Secret Agent did more than you'd credit

Barclaycard was suffering in 1989 as the recession had reduced turnover and interest income and competition from debit cards was increasing. Making the card stand out from its competitors was the solution, charging a fee for customers to upgrade and receive added benefits, convincing users of the increased value of the card. Cardholder share target was achieved a year ahead of expectations and the loss of 1990 became a £46m profit