- Spending rose 21.8% year-on-year compared to Q1 2025, driven by e-commerce and banking competition
- POS transactions dominated with 526.8 million dinars (59.2%), followed by online spending and cash withdrawals
- Active credit cards increased to 1.755 million, with nearly 89,900 new cards issued in three months
- Growth was supported by rewards programs, cashback offers, and Central Bank-backed digital payment expansion
Credit card spending in Kuwait recorded strong growth during the first quarter of 2026, with total expenditures by Kuwaitis and expatriates reaching approximately 890 million dinars through more than 32.7 million transactions, reflecting the country’s accelerating shift toward digital payments and e-commerce.
According to data released by the Central Bank of Kuwait, spending through Visa and Mastercard credit cards increased significantly compared to the same period last year, driven by expanding electronic payment options, online shopping, and intensified competition among local banks to attract customers through rewards and cashback programs.
The figures showed that credit card spending totaled 317.5 million dinars in January, 289 million dinars in February, and 283.5 million dinars in March.
Point-of-sale (POS) purchases accounted for the largest share of spending at approximately 526.8 million dinars, representing 59.2 percent of total expenditures during the period. Cash withdrawals reached around 142.2 million dinars, equivalent to 16 percent, while spending through websites and digital applications totaled 220.6 million dinars, accounting for 24.8 percent of total credit card use.
The data highlighted continued growth in online spending amid the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms and increased reliance on mobile applications and digital shopping services both inside and outside Kuwait.
Compared with the first quarter of 2025, when total credit card spending stood at 730.7 million dinars, expenditures rose by approximately 159.3 million dinars this year, marking an annual growth rate of nearly 21.8 percent.
The number of active credit cards in Kuwait also increased to around 1.755 million by the end of March 2026, compared to 1.727 million cards at the end of December 2025, reflecting continued expansion in the user base for electronic payment services.
During the first three months of the year, local banks issued nearly 89,900 new credit cards, including 36,000 cards in January, 31,900 in February, and 22,000 in March.
Banking experts attributed the growth to rising consumer demand for digital banking services, alongside attractive incentives offered by banks, including cashback rewards, travel miles, airport lounge access, shopping discounts, and interest-free installment plans.
Local banks have also expanded the issuance of digital cards compatible with electronic wallets and mobile payment applications, supporting Kuwait’s broader transition toward a digital economy.
The Central Bank of Kuwait continues to strengthen the country’s electronic payment infrastructure and promote digital transformation across the banking sector to enhance financial efficiency, security, and reliability.
The latest figures confirm the sustained growth of Kuwait’s electronic payments market in 2026, supported by increased consumer spending, expanding e-commerce activity, and growing dependence on digital financial solutions.
