CONSUMER INSIGHTS | MAY 2025 Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report : Q1 2025 Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: Q1 2025 SHARE Absa spend insights report reveals a rebound after a slow start to the year. Consumer insights, sharper than ever. The first quarter for 2025 revealed resilient card spending with remarkable month-to-month recoveries. While growth moderated on a year-to-date basis, consumer sentiment remained strong and stable. Online card spending continued its double-digit growth, driven primarily by the Food and Home & Garden categories. In-store spending faced a year-over-year decline. Debit cards remained the dominant payment method, with credit card usage steadily rising. Key insights Your browser does not support the video tag. These insights highlight the crucial need to enhance online engagement, adapt to evolving consumer behaviours, and strengthen payment infrastructure. Stay ahead of the curve by leveraging these valuable insights to drive value and impact in the coming months. Download latest Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report Access latest Press Release https://cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Related Articles CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa’s Merchant Spend Analytics: February 2025 Absa spend insights report reveals major consumer spending patterns in the face of economic transitions. Report highlights stabilising spending trends, digital commence growth, and the township economy's evolution. Read more CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa’s Merchant Spend Analytics: January 2025 The January 2025 card transaction data, as anticipated, demonstrated a MTM decline, reflecting a post-festive season spending lull. Read more CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa’s Merchant Spend Analytics: December 2024 We are pleased to share the latest Merchant Spend Analytics report, focusing on December card spending activity. Read more