Card use flat, more paying cash

Electronic card transactions show patterns consistent with the economy emerging slowly from recession and reduced use of credit, according to monthly figures for July from Statistics New Zealand.

Total electronic card transactions were up 1.2 per cent overall, up 0.8 per cent in retail industries.

By industry group, non-retail and consumables led the increase; although durables and automotive fuel retailing industries were down slightly.

Card use was down 0.4 per cent in June over May. The figures show a continuing drift away from credit cards to paying cash through debit cards.

Credit card use accounted for 45.0 per cent of transactions in the year to July 2009, the 10th consecutive month to show a decrease in the annualised total.

Highest use of electronic cards for payments continued to be seen in payments for petrol, footwear and clothing, and food.

-BUSINESSWIRE