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.

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.

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.