The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published payment card statistics for the second quarter of 2026, showing strong growth in credit card circulation and transaction volumes, while the value of credit and debit card transactions declined from the previous quarter. Credit cards in circulation reached 31.03 million, up 6.3% quarter over quarter and 36.1% year over year. Credit card transactions increased 4.9% from the previous quarter and 12.2% from a year earlier to 403.94 million. Their total value fell 8.0% quarter over quarter but rose 6.8% year over year to HKD 286.5 billion, with 65.2% attributable to retail spending in Hong Kong and 31.8% to overseas retail spending. Debit card retail and bill payment transactions rose 5.2% quarter over quarter to 55.39 million, while their value dropped 13.6% to HKD 61.1 billion. Compared with the second quarter of 2025, debit transaction volume fell 4.3% and value declined 8.0%.
2026-09-18Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Hong Kong Monetary Authority reports credit card circulation rose 36.1% year over year in the second quarter
Hong Kong credit cards in circulation reached 31.03 million in the second quarter of 2026, up 36.1% year over year. Credit card transaction volume rose, but transaction value fell 8.0% from the previous quarter to HKD 286.5 billion. Debit card retail and bill payment value declined both quarterly and annually.