Seasonally adjusted electronic card transactions in New Zealand grew 1.7% month-over-month in May 2026, recovering from a downwardly revised 1.2% fall in the previous month. The rebound was supported by recoveries in spending on consumables (0.9% vs -2.1% in April), hospitality (2.5% vs -1.7%), durables (2.7% vs -0.9%), motor vehicles (1.6% vs -4.0%), and apparel (3.1% vs -1.2%). Additionally, fuel spending continued to decline due to the impact of the Middle East conflict, though at a slower pace (-0.8% vs -1.5%). On an annual basis, total electronic card spending rose 3.3%, accelerating from a 2.0% increase in April. source: Statistics New Zealand

Credit Card Spending in New Zealand decreased to 6979 NZD Million in April from 7068 NZD Million in March of 2026. Credit Card Spending in New Zealand averaged 4664.06 NZD Million from 2002 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 7113.00 NZD Million in May of 2026 and a record low of 2145.00 NZD Million in November of 2002. This page provides - New Zealand Credit Card Spending- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. New Zealand Credit Card Spending - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on June of 2026.

Credit Card Spending in New Zealand decreased to 6979 NZD Million in April from 7068 NZD Million in March of 2026. Credit Card Spending in New Zealand is expected to be 6900.00 NZD Million by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the New Zealand Credit Card Spending is projected to trend around 6800.00 NZD Million in 2027 and 6950.00 NZD Million in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-06-14 10:45 PM
Electronic Retail Card Spending MoM
May 1.7% -1.2% 0.4%
2026-06-14 10:45 PM
Electronic Retail Card Spending YoY
May 3.3% 2% 1.5%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Consumer Spending 45770.00 45564.00 NZD Million Mar 2026
Electronic Retail Card Spending YoY 7113.00 6992.00 NZD Million May 2026
Retail Sales 0.90 0.90 percent Mar 2026
Retail Sales YoY 4.50 4.40 percent Mar 2026


New Zealand Credit Card Spending
In New Zealand, Electronic Retail Card Spending measures the credit card spending by individuals on consumables, durables, hospitality, apparel industry, motor vehicles and fuel. The electronic card transactions series covers all debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. It can be used to indicate changes in consumer spending and economic activity.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
7113.00 6992.00 7113.00 2145.00 2002 - 2026 NZD Million Monthly
Current prices, SA

News Stream
New Zealand Credit Card Spending Rebounds in May
Seasonally adjusted electronic card transactions in New Zealand grew 1.7% month-over-month in May 2026, recovering from a downwardly revised 1.2% fall in the previous month. The rebound was supported by recoveries in spending on consumables (0.9% vs -2.1% in April), hospitality (2.5% vs -1.7%), durables (2.7% vs -0.9%), motor vehicles (1.6% vs -4.0%), and apparel (3.1% vs -1.2%). Additionally, fuel spending continued to decline due to the impact of the Middle East conflict, though at a slower pace (-0.8% vs -1.5%). On an annual basis, total electronic card spending rose 3.3%, accelerating from a 2.0% increase in April.
2026-06-14
New Zealand Credit Card Spending Falls 1.3% in April
Seasonally adjusted electronic card transactions in New Zealand fell 1.3% month-over-month in April 2026, reversing a 0.7% rise in the previous month. It marked the first decline in three months, as spending in all categories dropped, with fuel spending falling 2.0% due to the impact of the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, consumables (-2.1% vs 1.1% in March), hospitality (-1.3% vs -2.4%), durables (-1.1% vs 1.2%), motor vehicles (-4.1% vs 1.9%), and apparel (-1.3% vs -4.2%) also declined. On an annual basis, total electronic card spending rose 2.0%, following a 2.7% increase in March.
2026-05-18
New Zealand Card Spending Growth Slows to 0.7%
Seasonally adjusted electronic card transactions in New Zealand increased 0.7% month-over-month in March 2026, following a 1.4% rise in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, although the pace eased compared to the previous month. The moderation came as spending in some categories eased, including consumables (1.1% vs 1.8% in February) and durables (1.2% vs 1.3%). Additionally, spending declined in hospitality (-2.4% vs 2.4%) and apparel (-4.2% vs 1.9%). In contrast, spending on fuel jumped 17.3%, rebounding sharply from a 1.1% fall in February, due to higher fuel prices amid the Middle East conflict. Meanwhile, spending on motor vehicles excluding fuel rose 1.9%, recovering from a 0.2% drop in the previous month. On an annual basis, total electronic card spending rose 2.7%, after a 1.5% growth in February.
2026-04-16