New smart card to replace cash

National Irish Bank is moving closer to the "cashless society" with the launch of the Citrus card

National Irish Bank is moving closer to the "cashless society" with the launch of the Citrus card. Consumers are encouraged to use the multi-application smart card as they would cash.

The card, currently available only at Blanchardstown shopping centre, may be used in participating retailers for transactions as low as 1p.

Card-holders may load electronic cash directly from their bank account on to their card over the telephone by using a homeload device or through cashless ATM located at the shopping centre.

It is hoped that, in a "cashless society", consumers eventually will carry just one card.