According to new JCC data, the value of Cyprus credit card transactions in the domestic market increased by 6% in August to €421.85 million compared to last year.

In the first eight months (January to August) €2.628 billion was spent using credit cards, an increase of 17% annually. This follows on from an overall 33% hike in 2018.

The sectors that witnessed the largest volumes were government payments, supermarkets, utilities, restaurants, bars and hotels.

Meanwhile, there was a decrease in plastic money spent at Do-It-Yourself & Household stores.

Government sector payment increases were due to Inland Revenue Department payments and without these payments, the total monthly increase would be 8% for August.

Sales and cash withdrawals of Cypriots with credit cards abroad, including online purchases, was up 13% to €176.2 million in August.

Foreign card transactions (sales) increased 12% in August to €174.9 million – for the year to date it was also up 15% to €843 million.

Cyprus cards used in Turkey and the occupied north of the island reached €2.8 million in August and a combined €17.8 million for the first eight months.

The use of local cards in Turkey amounted to €725,228 in August and €3.9 million in the first eight months, while transactions with Turkish cards in Cyprus stood at €1.77 million for the month and at €11.4 million from January to August.

Source: Financial Mirror