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UK credit and debit card spending - how does it break down? UK credit and debit card spending - how does it break down?
(3 months later)
The latest stats from the UK Cards Association are out giving us a window into how people are using their plastic.The latest stats from the UK Cards Association are out giving us a window into how people are using their plastic.
The figures showed that three in every four pounds spent in British shops are from credit or debit card transactions. The figures showed that three in every four pounds spent in British shops are from credit or debit card transactions.
UK merchants, retailers and service providers received £0.5tn in payment using credit and debit cards during 2013.UK merchants, retailers and service providers received £0.5tn in payment using credit and debit cards during 2013.
But where is all this cash going? We looked through the figures to find out.But where is all this cash going? We looked through the figures to find out.
Biggest spends in one goBiggest spends in one go
The report breaks down the data by average transaction value (ATV), which theoretically should show the places where we usually spend the most on single purchases.The report breaks down the data by average transaction value (ATV), which theoretically should show the places where we usually spend the most on single purchases.
Topping the list for credit cards are funeral services, where the average spend on a single transaction is £1,144.14.Topping the list for credit cards are funeral services, where the average spend on a single transaction is £1,144.14.
Despite its dominance by the ATV measure, the £160m overall spend on funeral services makes the sector relatively small.Despite its dominance by the ATV measure, the £160m overall spend on funeral services makes the sector relatively small.
Employment agencies, which includes CV preparation and training courses, came second on the top ten list with an ATV of £937.12.Employment agencies, which includes CV preparation and training courses, came second on the top ten list with an ATV of £937.12.
To quote the UK Card Association report:To quote the UK Card Association report:
Notably the top ten locations were dominated by services that can be categorised as essential and in some cases unforeseen.Notably the top ten locations were dominated by services that can be categorised as essential and in some cases unforeseen.
At £1185.97, the ATV on funeral services was actually higher for people using their debit cards. Even so, it only managed third on the top ten list.At £1185.97, the ATV on funeral services was actually higher for people using their debit cards. Even so, it only managed third on the top ten list.
Coming in first place with a huge ATV of £2.766.62 was the security brokers and dealers catalogue, with tax payments in second with £1,432.13.Coming in first place with a huge ATV of £2.766.62 was the security brokers and dealers catalogue, with tax payments in second with £1,432.13.
Vehicle sales (£1,151.89) and travel agents (£584.86) also made the top ten.Vehicle sales (£1,151.89) and travel agents (£584.86) also made the top ten.
Biggest spend overallBiggest spend overall
Unsurprisingly, supermarkets are where we spend the most on both our debit and credit cards.Unsurprisingly, supermarkets are where we spend the most on both our debit and credit cards.
£72bn in debit card spending took place at the tills during 2013, from 2.8bn transactions. Financial institutions came a distant second with £37.1bn.£72bn in debit card spending took place at the tills during 2013, from 2.8bn transactions. Financial institutions came a distant second with £37.1bn.
For credit cards, the 659m transactions in supermarkets during 2013 were worth £21.8bn.For credit cards, the 659m transactions in supermarkets during 2013 were worth £21.8bn.
Consumers opting to pay on credit spent an average of £33.11 on a shop, which was about £7 higher than the equivalent figure for debit.Consumers opting to pay on credit spent an average of £33.11 on a shop, which was about £7 higher than the equivalent figure for debit.
Second up was automotive fuels with £10.6bn. Other places where we use credit cards alot include hotels (£9.3bn), restaurants and travel agents (both £6.6bn).Second up was automotive fuels with £10.6bn. Other places where we use credit cards alot include hotels (£9.3bn), restaurants and travel agents (both £6.6bn).
Part of the reason for supermarkets' dominance in credit cards is attributed to loyalty points offers on the credit cards of major supermarket chains, which are "increasingly driving a significant proportion of spending in this category".Meanwhile there's one sector where debit and credit cards are set to have won against notes and coins. From early July, London buses will stop taking cash altogether.Part of the reason for supermarkets' dominance in credit cards is attributed to loyalty points offers on the credit cards of major supermarket chains, which are "increasingly driving a significant proportion of spending in this category".Meanwhile there's one sector where debit and credit cards are set to have won against notes and coins. From early July, London buses will stop taking cash altogether.
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• DATA SOURCE: UK Cards Association• DATA SOURCE: UK Cards Association
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