GITNUXREPORT 2026

Credit Card Processing Industry Statistics

The global credit card processing industry is expanding rapidly with significant regional growth and evolving fee structures.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

92% of U.S. consumers prefer using credit cards for purchases over $50.

Statistic 2

81% of Americans carry a credit card, with average of 3.84 cards per person in 2023.

Statistic 3

Rewards credit cards account for 55% of all U.S. credit card spending in 2023.

Statistic 4

67% of millennials use credit cards for everyday purchases, higher than other generations.

Statistic 5

Contactless payments preferred by 76% of U.S. consumers post-COVID in 2023.

Statistic 6

Average U.S. household credit card debt reached $6,501 in Q4 2023.

Statistic 7

45% of credit card users pay off balance monthly, while 28% carry debt over 12 months.

Statistic 8

Mobile wallet linked to credit cards used by 51% of U.S. adults in 2023.

Statistic 9

Gen Z credit card approval rate is 67%, with 42% preferring cards with no foreign fees.

Statistic 10

73% of consumers abandon carts if no credit card option available online.

Statistic 11

92% prefer CC >$50.

Statistic 12

81% carry CC, avg 3.84 cards 2023.

Statistic 13

Rewards 55% spending 2023.

Statistic 14

67% millennials daily use.

Statistic 15

76% prefer contactless 2023.

Statistic 16

Avg household debt $6,501 Q4 2023.

Statistic 17

45% pay off monthly, 28% >12mo.

Statistic 18

51% use mobile wallet 2023.

Statistic 19

Gen Z approval 67%, 42% no FX fees.

Statistic 20

73% abandon no CC option.

Statistic 21

In 2023, the global credit card processing market was valued at approximately $112.5 billion, projected to reach $200.4 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.6% from 2024 to 2030.

Statistic 22

The U.S. credit card processing market size stood at $145.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2030.

Statistic 23

Global payment processing transaction value reached $8.5 trillion in 2022, with credit cards accounting for 42% of non-cash transactions.

Statistic 24

The credit card processing fees in the U.S. generated $48.6 billion in revenue for issuers and networks in 2022.

Statistic 25

Europe's credit card processing market is forecasted to grow from €250 billion in 2023 to €420 billion by 2028 at 10.9% CAGR.

Statistic 26

In 2023, the Asia-Pacific credit card processing market expanded to $45.3 billion, driven by digital adoption in China and India.

Statistic 27

U.S. merchant discount rate averaged 2.3% of transaction volume in 2023 for credit card processing.

Statistic 28

Global credit card processing market share held by Visa was 52.4% in terms of transaction volume in 2022.

Statistic 29

The POS terminal market for credit card processing grew to $120 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 30

Credit card processing in Latin America is projected to grow at 12.5% CAGR from $15 billion in 2023 to $35 billion by 2030.

Statistic 31

Global credit card processing market valued at $112.5 billion in 2023, CAGR 8.6% to 2030.

Statistic 32

U.S. market size $145.2 billion in 2022, CAGR 9.1% to 2030.

Statistic 33

Worldwide transaction value $8.5 trillion in 2022, credit cards 42%.

Statistic 34

U.S. fees revenue $48.6 billion for issuers/networks 2022.

Statistic 35

Europe market €250 billion 2023 to €420 billion 2028, CAGR 10.9%.

Statistic 36

Asia-Pacific $45.3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 37

U.S. MDR 2.3% of volume 2023.

Statistic 38

Visa global share 52.4% volume 2022.

Statistic 39

POS terminal market $120 billion 2023.

Statistic 40

Latin America $15B 2023 to $35B 2030, CAGR 12.5%.

Statistic 41

India credit card processing market to grow from $10B in 2023 to $25B by 2028 at 20% CAGR.

Statistic 42

The average merchant interchange fee for credit cards in the U.S. was 1.85% in 2023.

Statistic 43

U.S. merchants paid $130 billion in credit card processing fees in 2023.

Statistic 44

Visa's average interchange rate for credit cards was 1.94% in 2023.

Statistic 45

Small businesses in the U.S. face an average credit card processing fee of 2.6% per transaction.

Statistic 46

In the EU, the regulated interchange fee cap for credit cards is 0.3% since 2015.

Statistic 47

87% of U.S. merchants accept credit cards, with processing fees averaging $0.30 + 2.5%.

Statistic 48

Global surcharging for credit cards is allowed in 45 countries, with average surcharge of 1.5%.

Statistic 49

U.S. restaurant industry credit card processing fees totaled $22 billion in 2022.

Statistic 50

Average assessment fee charged by networks is 0.13% to 0.15% of transaction volume.

Statistic 51

76% of merchants cite processing fees as their top payment pain point in 2023 survey.

Statistic 52

U.S. avg interchange 1.85% 2023.

Statistic 53

U.S. merchants $130B fees 2023.

Statistic 54

Visa interchange avg 1.94% 2023.

Statistic 55

SMBs avg 2.6% fee.

Statistic 56

EU cap 0.3% since 2015.

Statistic 57

87% U.S. merchants accept, avg $0.30+2.5%.

Statistic 58

Surcharging in 45 countries, avg 1.5%.

Statistic 59

Restaurants $22B fees 2022.

Statistic 60

Assessment fee 0.13-0.15%.

Statistic 61

76% merchants cite fees top pain 2023.

Statistic 62

NFC-enabled credit card penetration reached 89% in smartphones by 2023.

Statistic 63

Tokenization in credit card processing reduced fraud by 60% for Apple Pay transactions in 2023.

Statistic 64

EMV chip adoption in U.S. reached 99% of in-person credit card transactions by 2023.

Statistic 65

Blockchain-based credit card processing pilots processed 1.2 million transactions in 2023.

Statistic 66

AI fraud detection in credit processing prevented $40 billion in losses globally in 2023.

Statistic 67

Real-time payments integration with credit cards grew 250% in Europe via SEPA Instant.

Statistic 68

Cloud-based payment gateways handle 70% of credit card processing in SaaS models by 2023.

Statistic 69

Biometric authentication for credit cards adopted by 25% of issuers in 2023.

Statistic 70

5G networks boosted mobile credit card POS transaction speeds by 40% in urban areas 2023.

Statistic 71

NFC smartphone 89% 2023.

Statistic 72

Tokenization -60% fraud Apple Pay.

Statistic 73

EMV 99% U.S. in-person 2023.

Statistic 74

Blockchain 1.2M txns 2023.

Statistic 75

AI prevented $40B fraud 2023.

Statistic 76

SEPA Instant +250% Europe.

Statistic 77

Cloud gateways 70% SaaS 2023.

Statistic 78

Biometrics 25% issuers 2023.

Statistic 79

5G +40% speed urban 2023.

Statistic 80

In 2022, total U.S. credit card purchase volume reached $5.21 trillion.

Statistic 81

Global credit card transaction volume hit 285 billion in 2023, up 8% from 2022.

Statistic 82

U.S. general purpose credit card purchase volume was $4.9 trillion in Q4 2023 alone.

Statistic 83

Visa processed 236 billion credit card transactions worldwide in fiscal 2023.

Statistic 84

Mastercard's credit card transaction volume grew 11% to 151 billion in 2023.

Statistic 85

Average U.S. credit card transaction value was $112 in 2023.

Statistic 86

In Europe, credit card transactions totaled 45 billion in 2022 with €2.1 trillion value.

Statistic 87

Contactless credit card transactions in the U.S. accounted for 62% of all in-store volume in 2023.

Statistic 88

Global e-commerce credit card payments volume reached $3.2 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 89

U.S. credit card cash advance volume was $128 billion in 2022.

Statistic 90

U.S. purchase volume $5.21 trillion 2022.

Statistic 91

Global volume 285 billion transactions 2023, +8%.

Statistic 92

U.S. Q4 2023 $4.9 trillion.

Statistic 93

Visa 236 billion FY2023.

Statistic 94

Mastercard 151 billion, +11% 2023.

Statistic 95

U.S. avg tx value $112 2023.

Statistic 96

Europe 45B txns €2.1T 2022.

Statistic 97

U.S. contactless 62% in-store 2023.

Statistic 98

E-comm $3.2T 2023.

Statistic 99

U.S. cash advance $128B 2022.

1/99

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Behind a staggering $48.6 billion in fees collected from U.S. merchants alone, the credit card processing industry is a booming global engine projected to grow from $112.5 billion to over $200 billion by 2030, reshaping how the world pays for everything.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the global credit card processing market was valued at approximately $112.5 billion, projected to reach $200.4 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.6% from 2024 to 2030.
The U.S. credit card processing market size stood at $145.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2030.
Global payment processing transaction value reached $8.5 trillion in 2022, with credit cards accounting for 42% of non-cash transactions.
In 2022, total U.S. credit card purchase volume reached $5.21 trillion.
Global credit card transaction volume hit 285 billion in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
U.S. general purpose credit card purchase volume was $4.9 trillion in Q4 2023 alone.
The average merchant interchange fee for credit cards in the U.S. was 1.85% in 2023.
U.S. merchants paid $130 billion in credit card processing fees in 2023.
Visa's average interchange rate for credit cards was 1.94% in 2023.
92% of U.S. consumers prefer using credit cards for purchases over $50.
81% of Americans carry a credit card, with average of 3.84 cards per person in 2023.
Rewards credit cards account for 55% of all U.S. credit card spending in 2023.
NFC-enabled credit card penetration reached 89% in smartphones by 2023.
Tokenization in credit card processing reduced fraud by 60% for Apple Pay transactions in 2023.
EMV chip adoption in U.S. reached 99% of in-person credit card transactions by 2023.

The global credit card processing industry is expanding rapidly with significant regional growth and evolving fee structures.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

92% of U.S. consumers prefer using credit cards for purchases over $50.
81% of Americans carry a credit card, with average of 3.84 cards per person in 2023.
Rewards credit cards account for 55% of all U.S. credit card spending in 2023.
67% of millennials use credit cards for everyday purchases, higher than other generations.
Contactless payments preferred by 76% of U.S. consumers post-COVID in 2023.
Average U.S. household credit card debt reached $6,501 in Q4 2023.
45% of credit card users pay off balance monthly, while 28% carry debt over 12 months.
Mobile wallet linked to credit cards used by 51% of U.S. adults in 2023.
Gen Z credit card approval rate is 67%, with 42% preferring cards with no foreign fees.
73% of consumers abandon carts if no credit card option available online.
92% prefer CC >$50.
81% carry CC, avg 3.84 cards 2023.
Rewards 55% spending 2023.
67% millennials daily use.
76% prefer contactless 2023.
Avg household debt $6,501 Q4 2023.
45% pay off monthly, 28% >12mo.
51% use mobile wallet 2023.
Gen Z approval 67%, 42% no FX fees.
73% abandon no CC option.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

America's love affair with credit cards is a masterclass in duality: we crave the tap-and-go convenience and the thrill of rewards for our daily lattes, all while meticulously juggling an average of four cards and a mountain of debt that half of us pretend doesn't exist by paying it off every month.

Market Size and Growth

In 2023, the global credit card processing market was valued at approximately $112.5 billion, projected to reach $200.4 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.6% from 2024 to 2030.
The U.S. credit card processing market size stood at $145.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2030.
Global payment processing transaction value reached $8.5 trillion in 2022, with credit cards accounting for 42% of non-cash transactions.
The credit card processing fees in the U.S. generated $48.6 billion in revenue for issuers and networks in 2022.
Europe's credit card processing market is forecasted to grow from €250 billion in 2023 to €420 billion by 2028 at 10.9% CAGR.
In 2023, the Asia-Pacific credit card processing market expanded to $45.3 billion, driven by digital adoption in China and India.
U.S. merchant discount rate averaged 2.3% of transaction volume in 2023 for credit card processing.
Global credit card processing market share held by Visa was 52.4% in terms of transaction volume in 2022.
The POS terminal market for credit card processing grew to $120 billion globally in 2023.
Credit card processing in Latin America is projected to grow at 12.5% CAGR from $15 billion in 2023 to $35 billion by 2030.
Global credit card processing market valued at $112.5 billion in 2023, CAGR 8.6% to 2030.
U.S. market size $145.2 billion in 2022, CAGR 9.1% to 2030.
Worldwide transaction value $8.5 trillion in 2022, credit cards 42%.
U.S. fees revenue $48.6 billion for issuers/networks 2022.
Europe market €250 billion 2023 to €420 billion 2028, CAGR 10.9%.
Asia-Pacific $45.3 billion in 2023.
U.S. MDR 2.3% of volume 2023.
Visa global share 52.4% volume 2022.
POS terminal market $120 billion 2023.
Latin America $15B 2023 to $35B 2030, CAGR 12.5%.
India credit card processing market to grow from $10B in 2023 to $25B by 2028 at 20% CAGR.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

The global credit card industry is a trillion-dollar game of digital musical chairs where everyone sits down to a feast, but Visa holds more than half the chairs and the merchant always picks up the tab.

Merchant Adoption and Fees

The average merchant interchange fee for credit cards in the U.S. was 1.85% in 2023.
U.S. merchants paid $130 billion in credit card processing fees in 2023.
Visa's average interchange rate for credit cards was 1.94% in 2023.
Small businesses in the U.S. face an average credit card processing fee of 2.6% per transaction.
In the EU, the regulated interchange fee cap for credit cards is 0.3% since 2015.
87% of U.S. merchants accept credit cards, with processing fees averaging $0.30 + 2.5%.
Global surcharging for credit cards is allowed in 45 countries, with average surcharge of 1.5%.
U.S. restaurant industry credit card processing fees totaled $22 billion in 2022.
Average assessment fee charged by networks is 0.13% to 0.15% of transaction volume.
76% of merchants cite processing fees as their top payment pain point in 2023 survey.
U.S. avg interchange 1.85% 2023.
U.S. merchants $130B fees 2023.
Visa interchange avg 1.94% 2023.
SMBs avg 2.6% fee.
EU cap 0.3% since 2015.
87% U.S. merchants accept, avg $0.30+2.5%.
Surcharging in 45 countries, avg 1.5%.
Restaurants $22B fees 2022.
Assessment fee 0.13-0.15%.
76% merchants cite fees top pain 2023.

Merchant Adoption and Fees Interpretation

U.S. businesses are forced to play a game of 'fee, fi, fo, fum' where Visa alone took a nearly 2% bite, small businesses swallowed a bitter 2.6%, and American merchants collectively forked over $130 billion in 2023, all while glancing enviously at Europe's regulated 0.3% cap.

Technological Trends and Innovations

NFC-enabled credit card penetration reached 89% in smartphones by 2023.
Tokenization in credit card processing reduced fraud by 60% for Apple Pay transactions in 2023.
EMV chip adoption in U.S. reached 99% of in-person credit card transactions by 2023.
Blockchain-based credit card processing pilots processed 1.2 million transactions in 2023.
AI fraud detection in credit processing prevented $40 billion in losses globally in 2023.
Real-time payments integration with credit cards grew 250% in Europe via SEPA Instant.
Cloud-based payment gateways handle 70% of credit card processing in SaaS models by 2023.
Biometric authentication for credit cards adopted by 25% of issuers in 2023.
5G networks boosted mobile credit card POS transaction speeds by 40% in urban areas 2023.
NFC smartphone 89% 2023.
Tokenization -60% fraud Apple Pay.
EMV 99% U.S. in-person 2023.
Blockchain 1.2M txns 2023.
AI prevented $40B fraud 2023.
SEPA Instant +250% Europe.
Cloud gateways 70% SaaS 2023.
Biometrics 25% issuers 2023.
5G +40% speed urban 2023.

Technological Trends and Innovations Interpretation

The future of payments isn't just contactless; it's an encrypted, AI-policed, instant, and increasingly touch-free fortress where your phone is nearly always the key, your face is becoming the password, and even blockchain is knocking on the door, all while the humble EMV chip finally finishes its victory lap.

Transaction Volumes and Values

In 2022, total U.S. credit card purchase volume reached $5.21 trillion.
Global credit card transaction volume hit 285 billion in 2023, up 8% from 2022.
U.S. general purpose credit card purchase volume was $4.9 trillion in Q4 2023 alone.
Visa processed 236 billion credit card transactions worldwide in fiscal 2023.
Mastercard's credit card transaction volume grew 11% to 151 billion in 2023.
Average U.S. credit card transaction value was $112 in 2023.
In Europe, credit card transactions totaled 45 billion in 2022 with €2.1 trillion value.
Contactless credit card transactions in the U.S. accounted for 62% of all in-store volume in 2023.
Global e-commerce credit card payments volume reached $3.2 trillion in 2023.
U.S. credit card cash advance volume was $128 billion in 2022.
U.S. purchase volume $5.21 trillion 2022.
Global volume 285 billion transactions 2023, +8%.
U.S. Q4 2023 $4.9 trillion.
Visa 236 billion FY2023.
Mastercard 151 billion, +11% 2023.
U.S. avg tx value $112 2023.
Europe 45B txns €2.1T 2022.
U.S. contactless 62% in-store 2023.
E-comm $3.2T 2023.
U.S. cash advance $128B 2022.

Transaction Volumes and Values Interpretation

Apparently, the global economy runs on plastic, tap-to-pay optimism, and a hint of concerning cash-advance desperation, judging by the trillions flowing seamlessly and the billions borrowed expensively.

Sources & References

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