Credit cards and access to the digital marketplace

The use of a credit card is becoming more and more important for consumers as electronic payment methods and networks proliferate in the Canadian marketplace. Credit cards are essential for renting cars or hotel rooms, purchasing airplane tickets or making purchases online. The credit card is rapidly evolving into the preferred mode of payment for the 21st century. Unfortunately, there is a growing class of people in Canada who are not able to easily access the features and benefits of a credit card. This group of people includes large numbers of new Canadians, aboriginals and people with no previous credit history. It is this group that is the principal focus of this report.