SAN FRANCISCO – If current trends continue, Valentines Day may become the busiest shopping season after Christmas, according to Visa USA, and more Americans than ever buy sweets for their sweethearts using their credit and debit cards online the number one card brand said. The nation's leading card brand reported that its research showed that consumer purchases of $13,000 engagement rings, $250 heart pendants, and $69.99 long stem roses are becoming more common, as consumer spending on the day increased 25% in 2004 and the average price of an online valentines item moved from $82 in 2002 to $89 in 2004. Visa attributed part of the increase to additional security that consumers feel with the transactions protected by the Verified by Visa online security program.

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