Row rect Shape Decorative svg added to bottom CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: August 2025 Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: August 2025 SHARE Card spending fluctuates amid retailer campaigns and consumer caution After a strong rebound in July, August’s Merchant Spend Analytics Report highlights a renewed dip in card spending, down 4.2% month-on-month, underscoring the volatility that has defined much of 2025. This ebb and flow reflects the impact of seasonal sales and targeted retailer campaigns, as well as the cautious sentiment shaping consumer behaviour. While in-store purchases remain dominant, online spending continues to expand at a double-digit pace, illustrating a structural shift in payment preferences. Alternative methods, such as Pay by Bank, Buy Now Pay Later and mobile wallets, are also gaining traction, signalling consumers’ growing focus on convenience and security. Download the full August report for deeper insights into South Africa’s evolving retail ecosystem Key insights Your browser does not support the video tag. In addition to unpacking category-level performance data, this month’s publication also explores the evolution of the gambling category and its impact on consumer behaviour. Download the latest Report Access latest Press Release https://www.cib.absa.africa/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/file_example_MP3_700KB.mp3 Related Articles CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: October 2025 After September’s subdued activity, October’s Merchant Spend Analytics Report reflects a measured but meaningful rebound. Card spending increased by 4%, while transaction volumes rose 2%, supported by the highest average ticket value recorded this year. This steady improvement reinforces Q4’s reputation as retail’s stabilising force, offering early signs of renewed confidence. Read more CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: H1 2025 Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: June 2025- Consumer card spending remained volatile in June 2025, with most categories experiencing significant declines. Following a minor recovery in May, both card spending and transaction volumes decreased once more. Historically, June typically marks a downturn before a July rebound. Read more CONSUMER INSIGHTS Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report: May 2025 Johannesburg, 29 July 2025 – The Absa Merchant Spend Analytics Report for May 2025 indicates a slight uptick in card activity, following April’s sharp decline. According to Absa’s internal data, card spending increased by 2% month-on-month (MTM), while transaction volumes climbed by 4%. Despite the 2% growth in card spending and 4% increase in transaction volumes, this growth remains below the prevailing inflation rate of 2.8%. Read more
