electronically debits accounts.

The EasyLink Card is being introduced by the Bank of Bermuda and will be the first debit card on the Island.

It works by swiping the card through an electronic machine which checks there is enough in the account to pay and automatically debits the money.

The card, recognised by 1,200 merchants across the Island, will be tested over the next few weeks by the bank's staff and then introduced to customers, replacing the personal banking card currently used at ATMs.

"There's been a tremendous growth in debit card acceptance around the world over the past few years,'' said Mr. David Lema, the bank's manager of card services.

"We think the debit product is ideally suited to the Bermuda market as well because our customers are used to using ATMs and point of purchase technology.

"The tests we will be performing on the system will ensure that our customers can fully enjoy the flexibility and convenience of the new EasyLink Card,'' he added.

When buying goods, the new card acts like a credit card with transactions made by swiping it through a machine. The cardholder's account is then automatically debited, with the card acting like an `instant check'.

It does not need a personal identification number although a PIN will be needed for any ATM transaction.

As well as being accepted across the Island, the card, a Visa product, can be used at 12 million places worldwide, plus any Bank of Bermuda ATM or any ATM around the world that carries the VISA or PLUS symbols.