Consumer Finance

The increasing prevalence of charge cards issued by non-bank entities in 2023 is significantly impacting the usage of charge cards. The convenience and security offered by digital wallets pose a threat to credit card usage. The rapid growth of…

In 2023, the charge cards category has experienced positive growth, both in terms of volume and value transactions. Similarly to the previous year, growth has largely been driven by the revival of normal social and economic activity in the wake of…

Only commercial charge cards are available in Hungary in 2023, with personal charge cards no longer available. Moreover, commercial charge cards are only offered to top corporate executives and senior managers and there are no indications that this…

There has been a decline in the number of high net worth individuals (HNWI) in Hong Kong since 2020. In response, charge card operators such as American Express and Diners Club are determined to customise their latest offers to better cater for this…

During the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2021, commercial charge cards experienced a significant downturn in sales. The lockdowns, decline in tourism (a key driver of the Greek economy), general reduction in business activities, and restrictions on…

Charge cards in 2023 is benefitting from the revival of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) and business tourism, which experienced a significant slump during the era of the pandemic, and which has taken some time to bounce back…

Despite the evolving financial landscape, charge cards retain their status as an unpopular category in Egypt. The demand for charge cards remains stagnant, with no anticipated improvements in terms of popularity, transaction volumes, or market share…

Growth continues to slow for charge cards in Canada in 2023, with the category’s relevance fading rapidly. One reason is lack of availability, with American Express morphing many of its charge cards into the realm of traditional credit cards. For the…

Charge cards represent a diminishing segment within the payment industry, primarily due to their inability to provide financing options. Consumers increasingly favour credit cards over charge cards when making purchases, further contributing to the…

One notable historical factor contributing to the popularity of store cards in Brazil is the ease of acquisition. Typically, consumers can swiftly register for a store card in-store, a process often completed in five minutes or less. This…

Usage of store cards in Australia has not improved post-pandemic, as the product has fallen out of favour among consumers. Credit cards are more competitive in terms of rewards and can be used anywhere, while store cards are restricted to specific…

EZ-link, the leading open-looped pre-paid card in Singapore, has significantly benefited from the resumption of regional travel. Not only has EZ-link gained traction among tourists visiting Singapore, who find it a convenient payment solution for…

As of July 2023, 10 pre-paid card issuers had had their payment clearing license revoked, according to PBOC (People’s Bank of China). In fact, the majority of these issuers voluntarily cancelled their licenses, affected by stringent government…

Local consumers increasingly seek the ability to utilise pre-paid cards in digital domains, spanning online shopping, food delivery services, and ride-hailing platforms. Brazilians also aspire to utilise pre-paid cards in diverse contexts, including…

While remote working has become a staple arrangement for many Australians, the idea of working remotely every day has been phased out. Many employees are returning to the office five days a week, while others have a hybrid arrangement which sees them…

The financial cards and payments landscape in Singapore has experienced notable transformations as the nation progresses towards its goal of becoming a cashless society. This evolution has been primarily driven by the rise of digitalisation,…

Financial cards and payments in China is set to see a rebound in 2023, following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. Consumers have taken the reopening of society as an opportunity to increase their discretionary spending, particularly in the areas…

In 2023, Brazil's finance industry is undergoing rapid transformations driven by an expanding banked population, digitalisation, and advancements in open finance. Concurrently, consumers are increasingly turning to credit in the face of adverse…

2023 is witnessing a continuation of some of the key trends from the previous year. Credit card spend remains significant in 2023, despite seeing a marginal decline compared to 2022, and this is largely due to the rising cost of living experienced by…

The consistent growth of debit cards in Singapore can be attributed to the ongoing enhancement of benefits provided to debit cardholders. In the past, debit card offerings and associated benefits were generally outpaced by those offered by credit…