The National Bank of Denmark published first quarter 2026 payments statistics showing that the average value of a card payment in Denmark is around DKK 273 and has remained broadly stable over a prolonged period. The measure covers card transactions conducted in Denmark using domestically and foreign-issued cards in physical stores and e-commerce, including wallet-based payments, and excludes cash withdrawals. The bank attributes the stable aggregate average to offsetting effects from inflation, which raises the value of comparable purchases, and the continued shift from cash to digital payments, which brings more smaller-value transactions onto cards. Behind the stable headline figure, average payment sizes differ markedly across industries. Airlines and clothing retail typically record average card payments above DKK 273, while supermarkets and pharmacies are significantly below that level. Petrol station transactions are more volatile and move closely with fuel prices, whereas supermarket and pharmacy payments are steadier but show clear seasonal patterns, with higher average values in periods leading up to holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
National Bank of Denmark 2026-05-01
National Bank of Denmark reports average card payment of DKK 273 with stable overall trend and wide industry variation
The National Bank of Denmark published first quarter 2026 payments statistics showing that the average value of a card payment in Denmark is around DKK 273 and has remained broadly stable, reflecting offsetting effects from inflation and the shift from cash to digital payments. The statistics cover card transactions across physical and e-commerce channels, including wallet-based payments but excluding cash withdrawals, and reveal significant variation in average payment size by industry and over time, particularly for petrol stations and around major holidays.