Card activity is rising across both debit and credit. Debit remains the high-frequency, everyday payment rail, while credit captures larger-ticket transactions. Understanding how spend and usage differ between debit and credit, and how digital wallets are reshaping behavior and share-of-wallet, is essential to guide portfolio strategy and deepen cardholder relationships.
To remain competitive in 2026, many issuers may need to continue strengthening both debit and credit by adding payment options like buy now, pay later and channels like eCommerce, digital wallets and card-on-file to help maintain and secure top-of-wallet status.
