One of the now obsolete UK debit cards that was launched in 1988 and later merged with Maestro in 2002 was known as Switch. Switch was a popular debit card in the UK during the late 1980s and 1990s, allowing cardholders to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Switch was known for its convenience and widespread acceptance at various retailers and cash machines across the UK. However, in 2002, Switch merged with Maestro, another popular debit card brand, to create a more unified payment system for cardholders.

The merger of Switch and Maestro created a stronger and more versatile debit card platform, offering cardholders a wider range of benefits and features. This move helped to streamline the payment process for consumers and businesses alike, making transactions more efficient and secure.

Although Switch is no longer in use today, its legacy lives on through the Maestro brand, which continues to be a widely recognized and accepted debit card in the UK and around the world.

For more information on the history of Switch and its merger with Maestro, you can visit the following websites:

• The UK Cards Association
• Mastercard UK - Debit Cards

Overall, the merger of Switch and Maestro in 2002 marked an important milestone in the evolution of debit card payment systems in the UK. The integration of these two brands helped to create a more seamless and efficient payment experience for cardholders, setting the stage for the modern debit card landscape we see today.

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