Electronic card spending up in April

April saw a lift in the amount of money spent using debit and credit cards.

New Zealand credit and debit card was up last month, figures released today show.

The value of transactions across all retail industries lifted 0.8 per cent in April when adjusted for seasonal effects, Statistics New Zealand said.

Compared to last month, total electronic card transactions rose 0.6 per cent.

"Of the six retail industries, the three that reported rises accounted for most of card spending," said Tehseen Islam, acting industry and labour statistics manager.

"Consumables had the largest rise, followed by the durables and hospitality industries."

The consumables industry has seen an increasing trend since November 2011 and this continued into April, with a seasonally adjusted rise of 1.1 per cent ($16 million).

Apparel and fuel had the largest decreases.

- HERALD ONLINE