News / Taiwan / cnyes
Taiwan Credit Card Spending Hits Record High for First Seven Months of 2026
Finance · Major Banks · cnyes · 2026-09-10
Despite a monthly decline in July due to tax payment seasonality, Taiwan's cumulative credit card spending reached a record NT$3.33 trillion through July.
What Happened
Spending Performance: The Financial Supervisory Commission reported that credit card spending in July reached NT$454.4 billion, marking the fifth-highest monthly figure in history. Cumulative spending for the first seven months of 2026 hit a record-breaking NT$3.33 trillion, reflecting robust consumer activity.
Asset Quality: As of the end of July, the total number of circulating cards stood at 59.49 million, with a delinquency ratio of 0.18%. The overall asset quality remains healthy, with revolving credit and installment balances showing stable performance across the industry.
Seasonal Factors: Officials noted that the month-over-month decline in July was primarily driven by the timing of tax payments and high comparative bases from the previous year. Once tax-related distortions are excluded, the underlying consumer spending momentum remains strong and resilient.
Market Dynamics: CTBC Bank continues to lead in new card issuance, while Cathay United Bank experienced a significant increase in card cancellations due to the expiration of a co-branded partnership. Banks are currently focusing on transitioning customers to new card products to maintain market share.