Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Card spending hits pounds 10bn

Tuesday 20 January 1998 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Christmas shoppers splashed out more than pounds 10bn on their plastic cards last month - the highest total ever. However, the rate of growth on credit and debit card spending slowed in December to 13 per cent, its lowest level more than a year, according to the Credit Card Research Group. Earlier in 1997, monthly card spending was growing at an annual rate of as much as 25 per cent.

The CCRG blamed the slowdown in growth on the impact of higher interest rates and on the large number of retailers who now accepted credit and debit cards.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in