Global Credit Cards Transaction Value to Exceed $17.73T by 2030 and Digital-Only Virtual Cards to Record 6.91% CAGR, Reports Mordor Intelligence

The credit cards market growth is reinforced by the expanding adoption of digital wallets and mobile provisioning, along with the increasing use of virtual and crypto-enabled cards that enhance cross-border spending efficiency and global payment reach.


Hyderabad, India, Dec. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Mordor Intelligence, the credit cards market size in terms of transaction value is expected to grow from USD 14.83 trillion in 2025 to USD 17.73 trillion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 3.64%. Growth remains moderate as digital wallets and Buy Now, Pay Later solutions gain popularity, especially among younger consumers. Even so, credit cards continue to deliver strong profitability for issuers. North America accounts for a major share of global transaction value, while Asia-Pacific is witnessing the fastest expansion, driven by rapid mobile payment adoption in India and China. Regulatory scrutiny around fees and rewards is also influencing strategic investments across key regions. 

Regional Market Overview

North America continues to dominate the credit card landscape, supported by strong rewards programs and a deeply embedded culture of consumer credit that keeps transaction volumes high. At the same time, stricter regulatory oversight is reshaping issuer strategies, while the growing acceptance of Buy Now, Pay Later options is gradually influencing how consumers use traditional credit products. 

In contrast, Asia-Pacific stands out as the fastest-expanding region, driven by rapid digital adoption and evolving payment habits. While mobile wallets play a major role in countries like China, credit cards remain relevant for specific use cases. India is emerging as a key growth engine due to supportive payment infrastructure, while markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia continue to rely on cards, particularly for travel and corporate spending, even as digital alternatives gain ground. 

Key Market Insights 

Intensifying Competition Through Premium Rewards 

Credit card issuers are stepping up competition by enhancing rewards to attract and retain customers. Leading providers are investing heavily in premium benefits, including upgraded lounges, dining privileges, and broader partner offerings, as younger consumers show strong interest in new card products. While regulatory scrutiny around unused rewards is increasing, issuers continue to prioritize customer acquisition, confident that long-term value outweighs higher upfront costs. The focus is increasingly shifting toward experiential rewards such as exclusive events, entertainment access, and personalized travel services, designed to build loyalty and make switching providers less appealing. 

Wallet Integration Redefines Card Usage 

Digital wallets and mobile provisioning are becoming central to how consumers use credit cards, especially across Asia-Pacific, where wallet-based payments are now deeply embedded in everyday transactions. Card issuers are responding by embedding wallet enrollment directly into the onboarding process and expanding virtual card capabilities for travel and business spending. As payments themselves become more standardized, competition is shifting toward smarter use of transaction data, personalized offers, lifestyle benefits, and real-time credit management features that encourage customers to keep cards active within their preferred digital wallets. 

Key Segments Highlighted in the Credit Cards Market Report    

By Application 
 
• Food & Groceries 
• Health & Pharmacy 
• Restaurants & Bars 
• Consumer Electronics 
• Media & Entertainment 
• Travel & Tourism 
• Other Applications 

By Card Type 
 
• General Purpose 
• Specialty & Other 

By Card Format 
 
• Physical 
• Digital 

By Provider 
 
• Visa 
• Mastercard 
• Others 

By Geography 
 
• North America 
• South America 
• Europe 
• Asia-Pacific 
• Middle East & Africa 

Overview – Credit Cards Industry 

Study Period   2019-2030   
Market Size Forecast USD 17.73 Billion (2030)  
Industry Expansion Growing at a CAGR of 3.64% during 2025-2030   
Fastest Growing Market for 2025-2030   Asia-Pacific projected to record the fastest growth rate 

Credit Card Companies 

 • JPMorgan Chase & Co. 
• Citigroup Inc. (Citi) 
• American Express Co. 
• Wells Fargo & Co. 
• Bank of America Corp. 
• Capital One Financial Corp. 
• Discover Financial Services 
• U.S. Bancorp (U.S. Bank) 
• Barclays PLC (Barclaycard) 
• HSBC Holdings PLC 
• Synchrony Financial 
• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) 
• Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD Bank) 
• Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia) 
• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) 
• Banco Santander SA 
• BBVA SA 
• Banco Bradesco SA 
• Itaú Unibanco Holding SA 
• Nu Holdings Ltd. (Nubank) 

Get in-depth industry insights on the credit cards market report: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/global-credit-cards-market?utm_source=globenewswire 

Explore related reports from Mordor Intelligence 

Virtual Cards MarketThe virtual cards market is segmented by use, payment type, end user, card type, and region. By use, cards are classified as single-use or multi-use. By payment type, they are used for remote payments or point-of-sale (POS) transactions. End users include consumers and businesses. By card type, the market consists of virtual debit cards, virtual credit cards, and virtual prepaid cards. The market is also analyzed across regions, providing insights into geographic adoption and trends. 
 
Embedded Finance MarketThe embedded finance market is segmented by type, end-use industry, business model, and region. By type, it includes payments, insurance, lending, investments, and other service types. By end-use industry, adoption spans IT & telecommunication, manufacturing, retail and e-commerce, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, travel & hospitality, transportation & logistics, and other industry verticals. By business model, the market serves retail consumers and businesses, while regional analysis provides insights into geographic trends and adoption patterns. 

Buy Now Pay Later Market: The Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) market is segmented by channel, end-use industry, age group, provider, and region. By channel, services are offered online or at point-of-sale (in-store). By end-use industry, adoption spans consumer electronics, fashion & apparel, healthcare & wellness, home improvement, travel & leisure, media & entertainment, and other industries. By age group, users include Generation Z, Millennials, Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation. Providers include fintech, banks, and others, while regional analysis highlights geographic adoption and market trends. 

About Mordor Intelligence:     
  
Mordor Intelligence is a trusted partner for businesses seeking comprehensive and actionable market intelligence. Our global reach, expert team, and tailored solutions empower organizations and individuals to make informed decisions, navigate complex markets, and achieve their strategic goals.     
     
With a team of over 550 domain experts and on-ground specialists spanning 150+ countries, Mordor Intelligence possesses a unique understanding of the global business landscape. This expertise translates into comprehensive market analysis and research reports as well as syndicated and custom research offerings that cover a wide spectrum of industries, including aerospace & defence, agriculture, animal nutrition and wellness, automation, automotive, chemicals & materials, consumer goods & services, electronics, energy & power, financial services, food & beverages, healthcare, hospitality & tourism, information & communications technology, investment opportunities, and logistics.  

 

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