HKMA Reports Significant Growth in Hong Kong's Credit Card Usage for Q4 2025

Statistics of Payment Cards Issued in Hong Kong for Fourth Quarter 2025

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published today (March 20) statistics of payment cards issued in Hong Kong for the fourth quarter of 2025.

The payment card statistics (see Annex) include quarterly data on credit and debit cards issued in Hong Kong under the credit and/or debit card schemes of the eight payment card scheme operators (Note 1). The HKMA began to publish the payment card statistics on a quarterly basis in June 2010 to enhance transparency of the payment card industry in Hong Kong, in line with international practice.

According to the quarterly statistics, the total number of credit cards in circulation (Note 2) was 28.99 million by the end of Q4/2025. The figure represents a 15.6 per cent increase from the previous quarter and a 38.4per cent increase from the previous year. The number and value of credit card transactions (including retail sales and cash advances) (Note 3) are susceptible to seasonal factors and the general economic environment, making the trends more prone to fluctuation. The total number of credit card transactions was 393.96 million for Q4/2025, representing a 3.0per centincrease from the previous quarter and a 16.1per cent increase from the same period in 2024. The total value of credit card transactions was HK$311.6 billion for Q4/2025, representing a 9.1per cent increase from the previous quarter and a 14.8per cent increase from the same period in 2024. Of the total transaction value, HK$201.6 billion (64.7per cent) was related to retail spending in Hong Kong, HK$100.3 billion (32.2per cent) in retail spending overseas and HK$9.6 billion (3.1per cent) in cash advances.

The total number of debit cards in circulation is not available due to overlapping of debit card brands in a single card. Like the number and value of credit card transactions, the number and value of debit card transactions in relation to retail sales and bills payments (Note 4) are also affected by seasonal factors. On a quarterly basis, the total number of debit card transactions in relation to retail sales and bills payments increased by 2.7per cent to 53.7 million while the total value increased by 11.0per cent to HK$69.6 billion in Q4/2025. When compared to the same period in 2024, the total number decreased by 3.2per cent and the total value dropped by 4.6per cent in Q4/2025.

Note 1: The payment card statistics are compiled from data on credit and debit cards issued in Hong Kong by both authorized institutions (AIs) and non-authorized institutions (non-AIs) under the credit and/or debit card schemes of the eight payment card scheme operators ("the card operators"). The card operators, in alphabetical order, are American Express International, Inc., Discover Financial Services (Hong Kong) Limited, EPS Company (Hong Kong) Limited (EPSCO), JCB International (Asia) Ltd, Joint Electronic Teller Services Ltd. (JETCO), MasterCard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd., UnionPay International Co. Ltd and Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited.

Note 2: A credit card issued in Hong Kong only carries one credit card brand. The total number of credit cards in circulation refers to the total number of credit cards (i.e. cards with a credit function) issued in Hong Kong under the credit card schemes of card operators (but excluding EPSCO and JETCO, which do not operate a credit card scheme). Some of these credit cards carry debit card functions, i.e. the credit card can be used for making purchases/payments or cash withdrawal at ATMs through directly debiting cardholders' bank accounts.

Note 3: The total number/value of credit card transactions refer to the total number/value of transactions made via credit card accounts of credit cards issued in Hong Kong under the credit card schemes of card operators (excluding EPSCO and JETCO). Starting from March 2015, a Hong Kong/overseas spending breakdown of credit card retail sales transactions is provided.

Note 4: The total number/value of debit card transactions in relation to retail sales/bill payments refers to the total number/value of those transactions made via debiting cardholders' bank accounts. Some of the eight card operators do not operate a debit card scheme. Care should be exercised in combining the credit card retail sales figures and the debit card retail sales/bills payment figures because of the possibility of double counting.

HKMA, Photo source: reference image

10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre to showcase diverse Intangible Cultural Heritage of different ethnic groups

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Office of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is holding the 10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre today (June 13) and tomorrow (June 14) at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre (Hong Kong ICH Centre) located at Sam Tung Uk Museum, Tsuen Wan. The fun day is a programme under Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Month 2026. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong ICH Centre and be themed around diverse ICH, the fun day showcases the rich and diverse cultures of different ethnic groups and communities in Hong Kong through a variety of ICH performances, interactive activities, experiential booths and guided tours.

Highlights of the first day's performances included an inclusive Cantonese opera performance presented by non-ethnic Chinese children, Hoi Luk Fung unicorn dance, young Chiu Chow music and Hakka Folk Song Duet. A variety of free interactive activities were staged for members of the public, such as workshops on patterned band weaving and prosperity motif embroidery, a traditional architecture preservation technique demonstration and experience led by a veteran historic building restoration master, and the Cantonese Literary Fun Hub. Moreover, visitors could make diffuser stones with auspicious animal designs, 10th anniversary magnets, postcards stamped with the "Ten-Year Imprint", and more at the fun day, and appreciate creative paper craft products and old photos of Sam Tung Uk.

Highlights for tomorrow include the "Village Chief Leads the Way: Deep Dive into Sam Tung Uk" tour, led by the village chief of Sam Tung Uk Village, Mr Chan Kam-hong, allowing participants to explore the ingenuity of the architectural layout story of Sam Tung Uk, a Hakka walled house with over 200 years of history, from the perspective of an indigenous resident. A Teej performance, with Nepali women singing and dancing in traditional costumes, will also be presented, as well as an Indian festival activity introducing the history, origins, and customs of Indian festivals such as Diwali, offering participants an opportunity to learn about traditional folk dances and chants. Other not-to-be-missed programmes will include the art of Chiu Chow Kung Fu tea demonstration and experience, shadow puppetry performances, as well as stilt house construction technique model demonstrations.

For details of the fun day, please visit the website:www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/2026_hkich_month_carnival_stum.html.

The 10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre will be held today and tomorrow (June 13 and 14) at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre. Photo shows members of the public stamping postcards with the "Ten-Year Imprint". Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre will be held today and tomorrow (June 13 and 14) at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre. Photo shows creative paper craft products on display. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre will be held today and tomorrow (June 13 to 14) at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre. Photo shows the patterned band weaving workshop. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre will be held today and tomorrow (June 13 and 14) at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre. Photo shows the young Chiu Chow music performance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre will be held today and tomorrow (June 13 and 14) at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre. Photo shows members of the public participating in the prosperity motif embroidery workshop. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre will be held today and tomorrow (June 13 and 14) at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre. Photo shows the Hoi Luk Fung unicorn dance. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The 10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre will be held today and tomorrow (June 13 and 14) at the Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre. Photo shows the inclusive Cantonese opera performance presented by non-ethnic Chinese children. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases