GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Credit Card Processing Industry Statistics

The credit card processing industry is experiencing steady growth, with an increasing number of transactions being processed both online and in-store.

Highlights: Credit Card Processing Industry Statistics

  • As of 2020, there are approximately 775,000 point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UK for card transactions.
  • In 2018, approximately $6.7 trillion of purchases were made by cards globally.
  • 62% of American consumers prefer to make purchases with credit cards.
  • Credit card fraud causes an estimated $24.71 billion in losses worldwide each year.
  • Mobile wallet payments surpassed $6.1 billion in U.S. volume in 2019.
  • About 70% of U.S. consumers now have a chip-embedded credit card.
  • By 2022 the total transaction value in the Digital Payments segment is expected to reach $6,685,102 million.
  • In 2019, there were around 1.06 billion credit cards in circulation in the U.S.
  • 58% of people said they would avoid a small business where they can't pay by card.
  • Approximately 28% of businesses report that card payments account for at least half of their monthly customer transactions.
  • Businesses lose over $180 billion annually due to fraudulent card transactions.
  • In 2017, 50.6% of payments at the point-of-sale were made with cards.
  • The average credit card processing fees are 1.5% to 2.9% for swiped cards and 3.5% for online transactions.
  • Annual payment card transaction value in Europe reached 2 trillion Euros in 2018.
  • The U.S. accounted for almost 34% of worldwide credit card fraud losses in 2018.
  • In 2019, merchant category codes attributed $1.3 trillion in volume to retail.
  • China saw an increase of 8.8% in the number of credit cards issued in 2019.
  • Credit card processors handled $7.4 trillion in transactions in the U.S. in 2018.
  • Contactless payments made via mobile device will exceed $1 trillion globally by 2022.
  • Retail e-commerce sales worldwide are projected to grow to 4.88 trillion U.S. dollars in 2021, up from 2.3 trillion U.S. dollars in 2017.

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The Latest Credit Card Processing Industry Statistics Explained

As of 2020, there are approximately 775,000 point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UK for card transactions.

The statistic that as of 2020, there are approximately 775,000 point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UK for card transactions indicates the widespread adoption and usage of electronic payment systems in the country. POS terminals are devices used by businesses to process card payments swiftly and securely. The large number of POS terminals in the UK highlights the shift towards cashless transactions and the convenience that electronic payment methods offer to both consumers and businesses. This statistic suggests a growing trend towards a cashless society and underlines the importance of having efficient and reliable payment infrastructure to support modern commerce in the UK.

In 2018, approximately $6.7 trillion of purchases were made by cards globally.

The statistic states that in 2018, an estimated total of $6.7 trillion worth of purchases were made using card payments worldwide. This figure represents a significant portion of global consumer spending that was conducted through credit, debit, and prepaid cards across various industries. Card payments have become increasingly prevalent due to their convenience and security benefits, leading to a noticeable shift away from traditional forms of payment like cash and checks. The scale of card transactions highlights the importance of electronic payment methods in today’s digital economy, showcasing the growing reliance on card-based systems for conducting everyday financial transactions on a global scale.

62% of American consumers prefer to make purchases with credit cards.

The statistic ‘62% of American consumers prefer to make purchases with credit cards’ indicates that a significant majority of consumers in the United States have a preference for using credit cards as their preferred method of payment for purchases. This suggests that credit cards are a popular and widely accepted payment option among consumers in the country. The high percentage reflects the convenience, security, and benefits that credit cards offer compared to other payment methods. The popularity of credit cards as a preferred payment option may also be influenced by factors such as cashback rewards, consumer protections, and the ease of tracking and managing expenses associated with credit card usage.

Credit card fraud causes an estimated $24.71 billion in losses worldwide each year.

The statistic indicates that credit card fraud is a significant issue globally, resulting in an estimated $24.71 billion in losses annually. This staggering amount reflects the financial impact that fraudulent activities such as unauthorized transactions, identity theft, and counterfeit card use have on individuals, businesses, and financial institutions. Such losses not only harm the direct victims of fraud but also have broader implications for the economy as a whole, leading to increased costs for consumers, reduced trust in electronic payment systems, and higher expenses for companies to implement fraud prevention measures. Efforts to combat credit card fraud, including advanced security technologies, consumer education, and collaboration between stakeholders, are crucial to minimizing these substantial financial losses and safeguarding the integrity of the global financial system.

Mobile wallet payments surpassed $6.1 billion in U.S. volume in 2019.

The statistic ‘Mobile wallet payments surpassed $6.1 billion in U.S. volume in 2019’ indicates that the total value of transactions made through mobile wallet platforms in the United States exceeded $6.1 billion during the year 2019. This suggests a significant growth in the adoption and usage of mobile payment solutions by consumers and businesses. Mobile wallets allow users to conveniently make payments using their smartphones or other mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical cash or cards. The increase in mobile wallet transactions reflects a trend towards a cashless society and highlights the convenience, security, and accessibility of mobile payment technologies in the modern economy.

About 70% of U.S. consumers now have a chip-embedded credit card.

The statistic suggests that a majority of consumers in the United States have transitioned to using chip-embedded credit cards for their financial transactions. This adoption rate reflects a significant shift in the payment card industry towards more secure authentication methods, as chip cards offer advanced encryption technology compared to traditional magnetic stripe cards. The widespread acceptance and usage of chip cards among U.S. consumers indicate a growing awareness of the benefits of enhanced security measures in protecting against fraud and unauthorized transactions. This trend highlights the evolving landscape of payment technology and the increasing emphasis on robust security features to safeguard consumers’ financial information.

By 2022 the total transaction value in the Digital Payments segment is expected to reach $6,685,102 million.

The statistic stating that by 2022 the total transaction value in the Digital Payments segment is projected to reach $6,685,102 million signifies a significant expansion and adoption of digital payment technologies in the upcoming year. This data reflects a robust growth trend in the digital payments industry, indicating an increasing reliance on electronic transactions over traditional cash-based methods. As a result, businesses and consumers are increasingly turning to digital platforms for their financial transactions, highlighting the growing importance and prevalence of digital payment solutions in the global economy.

In 2019, there were around 1.06 billion credit cards in circulation in the U.S.

The statistic that there were around 1.06 billion credit cards in circulation in the U.S. in 2019 indicates the widespread use of credit cards as a financial tool among consumers. This high number suggests that credit cards are a popular method of payment and credit access for a significant portion of the population. The availability and prevalence of credit cards can have implications for consumer spending habits, debt levels, and overall economic activity. The data likely reflects the convenience and benefits associated with credit cards, such as ease of transactions, rewards programs, and financial flexibility. Additionally, the large number of credit cards in circulation highlights the importance of responsible credit card usage and financial management for individuals and households.

58% of people said they would avoid a small business where they can’t pay by card.

The statistic “58% of people said they would avoid a small business where they can’t pay by card” suggests that a majority of individuals prioritize the convenience of being able to pay with a card when making a purchase at a small business. This statistic implies that not accepting card payments may result in a potential loss of business for small enterprises, as a significant portion of customers may choose to take their business elsewhere if they cannot use their card for transactions. This highlights the importance for small businesses to consider offering card payment options to cater to customer preferences and potentially increase sales and customer satisfaction.

Approximately 28% of businesses report that card payments account for at least half of their monthly customer transactions.

The statistic indicates that out of a sample of businesses surveyed, approximately 28% of them reported that card payments make up at least half of their monthly customer transactions. This suggests that a significant portion of these businesses heavily rely on card payments as a preferred method of transaction with their customers. The statistic highlights the growing popularity and importance of card payments for businesses, potentially indicating shifts in consumer behavior towards cashless transactions. Businesses that fall within this 28% may need to prioritize efficient card payment processing systems and strategies to cater to their customers’ preferences and to remain competitive in the evolving marketplace.

Businesses lose over $180 billion annually due to fraudulent card transactions.

The statistic “Businesses lose over $180 billion annually due to fraudulent card transactions” indicates the significant financial impact of fraudulent activities on businesses worldwide. This amount represents the total monetary loss experienced by businesses each year as a result of unauthorized or fraudulent transactions made using credit or debit cards. Such fraudulent activities can include stolen card information, identity theft, and other forms of financial fraud. The substantial magnitude of this annual loss underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures and fraud detection systems to protect businesses and their customers from such criminal activities.

In 2017, 50.6% of payments at the point-of-sale were made with cards.

In 2017, 50.6% of payments at the point-of-sale were made with cards indicates that a significant majority of transactions conducted at physical retail locations utilized card-based payment methods. This statistic suggests a growing trend towards electronic payment methods over traditional cash transactions, reflecting evolving consumer behaviors and technological advancements in the financial industry. The shift towards card payments may be attributed to factors such as convenience, security, and the increased acceptance of card payment options by merchants. Understanding and tracking these payment trends is essential for businesses and policymakers to adapt their strategies and infrastructures accordingly to meet the changing demands of consumers and ensure efficient and secure payment processing systems.

The average credit card processing fees are 1.5% to 2.9% for swiped cards and 3.5% for online transactions.

The average credit card processing fees discussed indicate the percentage of a transaction’s total amount charged by merchants to process and accept credit card payments. For swiped cards, the range of fees varies between 1.5% and 2.9%, representing the cost incurred when customers physically swipe their cards at a point-of-sale terminal. On the other hand, online transactions carry higher fees of around 3.5%, reflecting the increased risk and security measures associated with processing payments over the internet. These fees are essential for businesses to cover the costs of processing, including interchange fees, network fees, and fraud protection, while also contributing to revenue for payment processors and financial institutions. The specific percentage within each range may vary based on factors like the type of card used, the industry, and the negotiations with payment service providers.

Annual payment card transaction value in Europe reached 2 trillion Euros in 2018.

The statistic indicates that the total value of payment card transactions in Europe for the year 2018 amounted to 2 trillion Euros. This figure reflects the significant volume of financial transactions conducted through payment cards such as credit and debit cards within the European region during that particular year. The high value of transactions suggests a strong reliance on payment cards as a preferred method of payment by consumers and businesses in Europe, highlighting the widespread use and acceptance of card payments within the region’s financial landscape. The statistic also underscores the economic importance and impact of the payment card industry in facilitating transactions and driving economic activity within the European market.

The U.S. accounted for almost 34% of worldwide credit card fraud losses in 2018.

This statistic indicates that in 2018, nearly a third of all credit card fraud losses worldwide were attributed to the United States. This high percentage suggests that the U.S. was a significant target for fraudsters, likely due to factors such as the widespread use of credit cards, a large consumer market, and potentially weaker security measures compared to other countries. The significant proportion of fraud losses in the U.S. underscores the importance of implementing stricter security measures and enhancing fraud detection systems to mitigate the impact of fraud on both businesses and consumers in the country.

In 2019, merchant category codes attributed $1.3 trillion in volume to retail.

The statistic, “In 2019, merchant category codes attributed $1.3 trillion in volume to retail,” indicates that merchant category codes, a classification system used in the payment card industry to categorize different types of merchants, were responsible for facilitating transactions totaling $1.3 trillion within the retail sector in the year 2019. This figure represents the combined value of all purchases made by consumers at retail establishments such as stores, online retailers, and other retail outlets. The statistic highlights the significant economic activity and consumer spending that occurred within the retail industry during that particular year, providing valuable insights into the overall performance and size of the retail sector.

China saw an increase of 8.8% in the number of credit cards issued in 2019.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, China experienced an 8.8% growth in the total number of credit cards issued within the country. This increase suggests a growing trend of credit card usage and adoption among Chinese consumers and could signify improvements in economic conditions, increased consumer confidence, and the expansion of financial services in the region. The rise in credit card issuance may also reflect a shift towards cashless transactions and digital payments, as well as an increasing emphasis on convenience and purchasing power in the Chinese market. Overall, the 8.8% increase highlights the evolving financial landscape in China and the ongoing importance of credit cards as a preferred payment method for consumers and businesses alike.

Credit card processors handled $7.4 trillion in transactions in the U.S. in 2018.

The statistic ‘ Credit card processors handled $7.4 trillion in transactions in the U.S. in 2018’ indicates the massive scale of credit card usage and transactions in the United States for that year. This figure represents the total value of payments processed by credit card companies across various transactions such as retail purchases, online shopping, bill payments, and other forms of financial transactions. This large sum reflects the widespread adoption of credit cards as a preferred payment method by consumers and businesses alike, highlighting the significant role that credit card processors play in facilitating the flow of money within the economy and contributing to economic activity and growth.

Contactless payments made via mobile device will exceed $1 trillion globally by 2022.

The statistic suggests that the total value of contactless payments made through mobile devices worldwide is projected to surpass $1 trillion by the year 2022. This indicates a significant shift in consumer behavior towards utilizing mobile devices for payment transactions, highlighting the increasing popularity and adoption of contactless technology. The data implies a growing trend towards cashless transactions and the convenience, security, and efficiency that mobile payment systems offer to consumers and businesses alike. The rapid growth of mobile contactless payments signifies a transformative shift in the way transactions are conducted, with mobile devices becoming an integral part of the global payment ecosystem.

Retail e-commerce sales worldwide are projected to grow to 4.88 trillion U.S. dollars in 2021, up from 2.3 trillion U.S. dollars in 2017.

The statistic indicates that global retail e-commerce sales are expected to increase significantly from 2.3 trillion U.S. dollars in 2017 to 4.88 trillion U.S. dollars in 2021. This represents a substantial growth trajectory, highlighting the continuous expansion of online retail across the world. The projected increase in e-commerce sales reflects the growing preference of consumers to shop online for convenience, accessibility, and a wider range of products. Factors such as technological advancements, improved online shopping experiences, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating digital transformation are likely contributing to this upward trend in e-commerce sales.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statistics presented highlight the robust growth and significance of the credit card processing industry. As electronic payments continue to dominate the financial landscape, understanding these trends and insights will be crucial for businesses and consumers alike. By staying informed and adapting to the evolving technology and regulations within the industry, stakeholders can navigate this dynamic landscape more effectively.

References

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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