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Barclays firsts

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Barclays has a history of innovation, and is proud of its world firsts in the financial sector.

Barclays firsts in figures

  • 2008 Barclays is the first bank in the UK to announce a mass roll-out of contactless-enabled debit cards
  • 2007 Barclaycard Breathe is the first UK credit card to reward customers for making green purchasing decisions
  • 2001 Barclays partnership with five international banks offers 40 million customers free access to ATMs.
  • 1999 Barclays is the first UK bank to offer customers a mortgage in euros to buy a British home
  • 1998 Barclays opens the UK's first drive-through ATM
  • 1997 Barclays launches the first PC banking service for small businesses
  • 1995 Barclays is the first financial institution to launch a website
  • 1991 Barclays is the first UK business to sponsor a non-fiction TV programme, travel show Wish You Were Here
  • 1987 Barclays launches Barclays Connect, the UK's first debit card
  • 1986 Barclays is the first British bank to have its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange
  • 1981 Barclays is the first foreign bank to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington
  • 1977 Barclays is the first UK bank to introduce Personal Bankers
  • 1972 Barclays is the first UK bank to advertise on TV
  • 1967 Barclays unveils `Barclaycash', the world's first ATM
  • 1966 Barclays launches Barclaycard, Britain's first credit card
  • 1961 Barclays opens the UK's first computer centre for banking
  • 1958 Barclays appoints the UK's first female branch manager
  • 1902 Barclays obtains its listing on the London Stock Exchange

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