Kuwait sees cash usage drop to 30 percent as digital payments surge; leads GCC states
Visa reports major shift in consumer habits -- digital transformation with biometric and mobile payments

Kuwait is experiencing a remarkable acceleration in the adoption of digital payment solutions, with the use of cash in daily transactions declining to 30 percent, compared with 40 percent last year – the largest drop recorded among all GCC markets.
Mohammad Riyad, Regional Director of Visa in Kuwait, told KUNA that this trend reflects a fundamental shift in consumer payment habits, with increasing reliance on electronic methods as the preferred option for completing daily transactions.
He noted that digital payments now account for approximately 59 percent of consumer transactions in Kuwait, including debit cards and other electronic solutions, and that cash usage in interpersonal payments has fallen by 19 percentage points, the highest regional decline.
Riyad highlighted that this digital transformation enhances the efficiency of Kuwait’s financial system and supports the country’s long-term vision of a flexible, digitally driven economy, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.
He emphasized that the market is moving rapidly from traditional card-based payments to tokenized and biometric-enabled digital solutions, facilitated by smartphones and advanced banking infrastructure.
He attributed this progress to the early development of Kuwait’s banking sector, which has kept pace with global technological standards while providing secure and scalable digital financial services.
Despite the significant reduction in cash use, Riyad noted that cash remains necessary in certain instances, such as small personal transfers, tips, some rent payments, and international remittances where digital alternatives are limited.
Nevertheless, the trend shows continuous growth in digital adoption for activities such as bill payments, app-based services, dining out, and taxi rides.
Riyad explained that digital payments support Kuwait’s economic and digital goals by accelerating transactions, improving transparency, reducing reliance on cash, and enhancing the operational efficiency of businesses.
He also underscored Visa’s ongoing collaboration with banks, fintech companies, merchants, and government entities to expand digital payment acceptance, strengthen infrastructure, and encourage innovation in Kuwait’s rapidly evolving market.










