Visa Reports 80% Rise in Premium Card Spending Pakistan

Visa has recorded an 80 per cent year-on-year surge in spending on premium consumer cards in Pakistan during the Ramazan and Eidul Fitr period, primarily driven by increased expenditure on travel, retail, and food categories.

According to Visa’s latest Retail Spend Monitor, consumer spending trends shifted notably throughout Ramazan, reaching a peak during Eid, with overall spending rising by 10 per cent over the holiday period.

Cross-border travel activity also showed strong growth, with inbound spending by international visitors increasing by 30 per cent, while outbound spending by Pakistani consumers rose by approximately 35 per cent, indicating a growing inclination toward extended travel. Expenditure in key destinations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the UK saw a cumulative increase of 55 per cent.

Within the domestic market, grocery spending rose by 25 per cent in the week preceding Ramazan, while physical retail outlets and dining establishments remained significant contributors to overall consumption during the month.

Spending behavior also shifted towards later hours, with post-Iftar transactions increasing by 30 per cent and pre-Sehri spending rising sharply by 85 per cent.

During the Eid period, retail expenditure increased by 40 per cent, while spending on food categories grew by 15 per cent compared to the preceding days.

Umar S Khan, Country Manager for Visa in Pakistan and Afghanistan, noted that this seasonal surge reflects evolving consumer behavior and highlights opportunities for businesses to strategically align their offerings with peak demand periods.