Financial data released by the Central Bank of Kuwait revealed a significant surge in consumer spending within the country, with total credit card usage denominated in Kuwaiti dinars reaching a record high of nearly 5.3 billion dinars in 2025. This figure compares to approximately 4.6 billion dinars recorded in 2024, reflecting an annual increase of nearly 638 million dinars, representing a notable growth rate of 13.7%. This indicates the strength of consumer purchasing power in the local market.
Looking at the quarterly details revealed by the statistics, the growth was consistent throughout the year, not limited to a specific period, thus negating any notion that this surge was merely temporary. The year began with spending reaching approximately 1.2 billion dinars in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 1.05 billion dinars for the same period of the previous year. The index continued its upward trend in the second quarter, registering 1.26 billion dinars compared to 1.12 billion dinars, reflecting a stable pace of domestic consumption and increasing reliance on digital banking solutions.
In the context of seasonal analysis, the third quarter accounted for the lion's share, recording the annual peak at 1.43 billion dinars, compared to 1.26 billion dinars in the corresponding period of 2024. This increase is logically attributed to the summer holiday and travel season, as the use of credit cards increases to cover tourism expenses and flight and hotel bookings outside Kuwait, an economic phenomenon that is repeated annually and reflects the consumer lifestyle of citizens and residents during the summer period.
The fourth quarter saw stability at high levels, reaching 1.37 billion dinars compared to 1.21 billion dinars, driven by shopping seasons and year-end promotions. Economic experts indicate that this steady increase in credit card usage not only reflects increased consumption but also confirms the success of digital transformation in the Kuwaiti banking sector. Reliance on cash is declining in favor of electronic payments and credit cards, which offer greater ease and security in transactions, in addition to rewards programs that incentivize customer use.
In conclusion, these indicators reflect a state of economic recovery and financial stability, as the growth of consumer credit is considered one of the important indicators for measuring consumer confidence in the national economy and their ability to meet their financial obligations, which enhances the liquidity of the banking sector and supports the economic and commercial cycle in the country.
