SAN FRANCISCO — Credit and debit card data collected by Visa and analyzed by CardTrak.com, an organization which analyzes card trends, suggests that credit unions seeking to increase their debit card usage might consider putting a fast food promotion in place.

The site reported that Americans used credit or debit cards to pay for fast food 22% more in 2007 than in 2006. The site credited expanded merchant acceptance, promotion of card usage and new contactless payment option for the increase, but found a vein of cardholder interest as well.

The site noted, for example, that Visa surveys have found U.S. cardholders more willing to use their cards in fast food restaurants if using them lets the cardholder through lines more quickly, earns rewards, and lets them swipe their own cards.