COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Spending on gift cards and travel cards driving brand performance
The leading issuer of pre-paid cards in Australia is Heritage Bank, which is also one of the most prominent issuers of gift cards. With many of these gift cards also using Mastercard as an operator, Mastercard is also the leading operator of pre-paid cards in retail value terms, making up over half of retail spend in the category.
CBA gains by offering pre-paid travel card with numerous benefits
However, the fastest-growing issuer of pre-paid cards is Commonwealth Bank, driven by growth in its pre-paid travel card product. The travel card remains a relevant product category for frequent travellers, offering numerous benefits to make payments abroad easier.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Pre-Paid Card Transactions industry in Australia with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Pre-Paid Card Transactions industry in Australia, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Pre-Paid Card Transactions in Australia report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Pre-Paid Card Transactions in Australia?
- What are the major trends key to understanding Pre-Paid Card Transactions in Australia?
- How has COVID-19, recession and macroeconomic volatility impacted the market?
- How long will the market take to recover? What are the opportunities now?
- How will political context and shifting cultural values shape future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Charge Cards in Australia - Category analysis
Charge Cards in Australia - Company Profile
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Lack of interest and high spending limits attract business users
Declining number of cards in circulation in 2025
Transactions increase thanks to interest-free higher spending limits
Unique positioning of charge cards will ensure steady growth over the forecast period
Central bank contemplating removal of card payment surcharges
Diner’s Club exit highlights challenging conditions for new products
American Express is the primary operator and issuer after Diner’s Club's exit
Charge cards is mature with no competition and limited innovation
Credit Cards in Australia - Category analysis
Credit Cards in Australia - Company Profile
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Rewards and loyalty programs used to drive growth
Credit card usage continues to grow despite declining number of issued cards
Major players leverage strong position despite growth of American Express
Credit cards in circulation set to continue dwindling as younger consumers avoid perceived debt traps
Australia’s central bank calls for the removal of card payment surcharging
Travel-focused benefits set to continue driving success of American Express in Australia
American Express has limited reach in Australia
CBA credit card issue sees increase in 2025
Debit Cards in Australia - Category analysis
Debit Cards in Australia - Company Profile
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Debit cards benefit from being seen as low risk
Debit cards continue to experience an increase in usage as a key payment method
Move towards cashless society benefits debit cards in particular
Debit card usage expected to see growth, with consumer spending forecast to increase
Reserve Bank of Australia recommends removal of surcharges on card payments
Feature-focused innovation to remain the focus of major banks
Major banks continue to consolidate position by focusing on consumer needs
Mastercard debit cards enjoys growth in 2025
Pre-Paid Cards in Australia - Category analysis
Pre-Paid Cards in Australia - Company Profile
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Gifting and public transportation use boost card numbers
Pre-paid cards maintain steady growth with high usage of gift cards and travel cards
Transactions increase in 2025 in both open- and closed-loop pre-paid cards
Positive forecast with consumer habits expected to remain consistent
State governments to roll out bank card payment options for public transportation
Competitive landscape of pre-paid travel cards limited for new players
Spending on gift cards and travel cards driving brand performance
CBA gains by offering pre-paid travel card with numerous benefits
Store Cards in Australia - Category analysis
Store Cards in Australia - Company Profile
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Fuel cards offer bright spot
Steady usage of store cards among existing users despite decline in cards issued
Multitude of payment options makes store cards less relevant
Store card usage forecast to see steady growth, but fewer cards will be in circulation
Limited scope for innovation, with consumers having strict payment preferences
Co-branded credit cards are a more attractive route for store card providers
Financial Cards and Payments in Australia - Industry Overview
BNPL poses challenge to credit cards
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Steady flow of new debit cards offsets decline in cards in circulation in other categories
Cautious consumer behaviour impacts overall spending
Increasing proportion of consumers make remote card payments
Debit cards will remain a key payment method in the years ahead
Cash payments will likely continue to decline
Ban on card surcharges on the horizon
‘Big Four’ banks maintain their dominance in 2025
Visa remains the largest issuer, but Qantas sees rapid growth
COUNTRY REPORTS DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Pre-Paid Card Transactions
- Closed Loop Pre-Paid Card Transactions
- Open Loop Pre-Paid Card Transactions
Pre-Paid Card Transactions
A card paid for at point of sale, and permitting the bearer to buy goods or services usually of a particular type up to the pre-paid value. These cards acts as an alternative to cash. The card can be disposable or re-loadable.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Pre-Paid Card Transactions research and analysis database.
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