<P> A number of card issuers also provide prepaid debit card accounts primarily for use as gift cards / vouchers or for added security and anonymity online . These may be disposable or reloadable and are usually either Visa or MasterCard branded . </P> <P> Previous system (defunct since 28 February 2014): </P> <P> Laser was launched by the Irish banks in 1996 as an extension of the existing ATM and Cheque guarantee card systems that had existed for many years . When the service was added, it became possible to make payments with a multifunctional card that combined ATM, cheque and debit card and international ATM facilities through MasterCard Cirrus or Visa Plus and sometimes the British Link ATM system . Their functionality was similar to the British Switch card . </P> <P> The system first launched as a swipe & sign card and could be used in Ireland in much the same way as a credit card and were compatible standard card terminals (online or offline, although they were usually processed online). They could also be used in cardholder - not - present transactions over the phone, by mail or on the internet or for processing recurring payments . Laser also offered' cash back' facilities where customers could ask retailers (where offered) for an amount of cash along with their transaction . This service allowed retailers to reduce volumes of cash in tills and allowed consumers to avoid having to use ATMs . Laser adopted EMV' Chip and PIN' security in 2002 in common with other credit and debit cards right across Europe . In 2005, some banks issued customers with Lasers cards that were cobranded with Maestro . This allowed them to be used in POS terminals overseas, internet transactions were usually restricted to sites that specifically accepted Laser . </P>

When did credit and debit cards come out