Credit cards have become an increasingly important payment method in Kuwait, supported by their widespread use for everyday purchases and online transactions. Competition among local banks has also encouraged greater card usage through rewards programs, discounts, loyalty points, air miles and other incentives.
According to data from the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK), credit card transactions issued by local banks exceeded KD 2.5 billion during the first half of 2026. The spending was divided among point-of-sale (POS) purchases, online payments and cash withdrawals through ATMs.
The CBK classifies credit cards as cards that provide cardholders with an approved credit limit. Unlike debit cards, which draw directly from the customer’s available bank balance, credit cards allow users to make purchases or withdrawals up to the limit granted by the issuing bank, subject to the card’s terms and conditions.
POS purchases account for largest share
Point-of-sale transactions represented the largest portion of credit card spending during the first six months of the year. Purchases through POS terminals reached approximately KD 1.33 billion, accounting for 53.2 percent of total credit card usage.
The figures highlight the growing role of credit cards in everyday purchases, particularly as electronic payment acceptance continues to expand across Kuwait. Banks also encourage card usage by offering customers discounts, special promotions, loyalty points and air miles, with benefits varying according to the bank and card.
Approximately 80.22 million POS transactions were recorded during the period. Based on the total value and number of transactions, the average POS transaction was around KD 16.59.
Online payments approach KD 876 million
Online purchases and payments ranked second, reaching approximately KD 875.5 million during the first half of 2026. This represented 34.98 percent of total credit card spending.
Credit cards were used for around 40.48 million online transactions, giving an average transaction value of approximately KD 21.62.
Together, POS and online transactions accounted for 88.19 percent of total credit card usage, with combined spending of roughly KD 2.2 billion.
ATM withdrawals remain a smaller share
Cash withdrawals through ATMs accounted for the smallest portion of credit card usage. Withdrawals totaled approximately KD 295.4 million, representing 11.8 percent of overall spending.
Around 1.78 million ATM transactions were recorded during the six-month period, with an average withdrawal of approximately KD 165.73.
The figures show a clear difference in how credit cards are being used. POS transactions dominated overall spending at 53.2 percent, followed by online payments at 34.98 percent, while ATM cash withdrawals accounted for just 11.8 percent.
January records highest monthly spending
Credit card spending started 2026 strongly, reaching KD 477.4 million in January, the highest monthly total during the first half of the year.
January spending consisted of:
- KD 264.8 million through POS terminals
- KD 53.1 million through ATMs
- KD 159.5 million through online platforms
Spending declined in February to KD 400.8 million, including KD 211.6 million through POS terminals, KD 47.2 million in ATM withdrawals and KD 142 million online.
The downward trend continued in March, when total credit card usage fell to KD 356.9 million, the lowest monthly level recorded during the first half. POS purchases amounted to KD 177.9 million, ATM withdrawals to KD 49.7 million and online spending to KD 129.3 million.
Credit card spending recovered in April, rising to KD 380.5 million. Of this, KD 207.1 million was spent through POS terminals, KD 47.2 million was withdrawn through ATMs and KD 126.2 million was spent online.
Spending rebounds in May and June
May recorded the second-highest monthly level of credit card spending during the first half, at approximately KD 450 million. POS transactions increased to KD 243.4 million, while ATM withdrawals reached KD 51.2 million and online payments totaled KD 155.4 million.
In June, credit card usage stood at KD 436.8 million. POS transactions accounted for KD 226.7 million, ATM withdrawals reached KD 47 million and online spending totaled KD 163.1 million.
Overall, credit cards recorded approximately 122.49 million transactions in Kuwait during the first half of 2026. With total spending exceeding KD 2.5 billion, average monthly credit card usage amounted to approximately KD 417 million.
The data underline the growing importance of credit cards in Kuwait’s payment ecosystem, with electronic purchases, both at physical points of sale and online—accounting for the overwhelming majority of spending.
