LONDON (AFP) - Fans of British punk pioneers Sex Pistols reacted angrily on Tuesday after it was revealed that record-sleeve artwork from the anti-establishment icons was to feature on a range of credit cards.

Card issuer Virgin Money said it was "time for consumers to put a little bit of rebellion in their pocket," but fans took to Twitter to air their displeasure.

"Filthy lucre, indeed," wrote user John Williams, in reference to the name of the band's 1996 tour. "I will always love the #SexPistols," said fan Jeff Ericksen. "That being said, having their logo emblazoned on a credit card is hardly punk."

Another tweeter Pierre Kirry quoted lyrics from the band's infamous Anarchy in the UK single, writing: "The new #SexPistols credit cards certainly give 'Don't know what I want but I know how to get it' a new spin."

The British flag cover from the 1976 single will adorn one of the new 18.9 per cent APR cards, as will the "ransom note" cover from the band's only studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks.

Virgin Money was founded in 1995 by entrepreneur Richard Branson, who signed the band to his Virgin Records label in 1977.

"The Sex Pistols are an iconic band and an important part of Virgin's history," said Branson. "Virgin Money is a bank that can be proud of its past, and I love the fact that the team have chosen to celebrate it in this way. "Even after nearly 40 years, the Sex Pistols' power to provoke is undimmed."