New Zealand Electronic Card Spending Fell 0.4% in September 2026
Electronic card transactions in New Zealand fell 0.4% month-on-month in September 2026. While spending contracted for a second straight month, the decline eased compared to the 0.9% drop recorded in August 2026. New Zealand Credit Card Spending (ECONOMICS:NZCCS) stood at 7.017 billion NZD, down 0.89% today.
A recovery in essential goods helped curb the overall decline. Spending on consumables turned positive with a 0.3% rise following a 0.4% drop in August, while motor vehicle sales gained 0.6% after falling 0.3%. Fuel spending also expanded by 2.9%, up from a 1.3% gain in the previous month.
However, weaker discretionary spending dragged on overall figures. Hospitality spending decreased by 2.3%, durables dropped 0.5%, and apparel spending fell 2.0%. On a year-over-year basis, total card spending rose 0.9%, picking up speed from the 0.2% annual growth seen in August, which had been the softest pace since December 2025.
Key points
- Monthly electronic card spending in New Zealand fell 0.4% in September 2026 after dropping 0.9% in August.
- Consumables rose 0.3% and motor vehicles increased 0.6%, both reversing declines from the previous month.
- Hospitality spending fell 2.3%, durables slipped 0.5%, and apparel dropped 2.0% during the month.
- Annual spending growth accelerated to 0.9% in September 2026, up from 0.2% in August.
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How we writeDisclaimerQuestions and answers
How much did New Zealand electronic card spending change in September 2026?
Seasonally adjusted electronic card transactions dropped 0.4% month-on-month in September 2026, following a 0.9% decrease in August.
Which spending categories increased in New Zealand in September 2026?
Spending rebounded for consumables, up 0.3%, and motor vehicles, up 0.6%. Fuel purchases also rose 2.9% month-on-month.
What was the annual rate of card spending growth in New Zealand for September 2026?
On a year-over-year basis, total electronic card spending grew 0.9% in September 2026, accelerating from a 0.2% increase in August.