Approximately one-thirds of payment cards issued in Portugal were credit cards, reaching a total of nearly 8.94 million in 2023. Debit cards were found more often in the country, as that year there were around 21 million of these cards. The numbers provided are estimates, based on the figures central banks have to supply. Owning a payment card does not immediately indicate it gets used, as there are large differences within Europe when it comes to the use of certain payment methods. In the case of Portugal, there is a large overlap between debit and credit cards, as both have a delayed debit function.
Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Portugal from 2022 to 2023
Figures were first released in November 2023, and have about a year delay due to calculations
Supplementary notes
Until November 2023, all figures on credit cards and debit cards from the European Central Bank were estimates based on certain criteria. Typically, it meant the figures were about "cards with a credit function" or "card with a debit function". From 2023 onwards, the ECB started reporting figures specifically covering "credit cards" and "debit cards". That said, numbers can differ between the years as domestic definitions and recording methods changed.
The numbers shown until 2021 are estimates based on the following indicators:
1. Credit cards
Number of cards with a delayed debit function;
Number of cards with a credit / delayed debit function;
Number of cards with a credit function.
2. Debit cards
Number of cards with a debit function;
Number of cards with a debit / delayed debit function.
All figures provided concern cards issued by resident PSPs. Numbers exclude cards with an e-money function.
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Statista, & ECB. (July 25, 2024). Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Portugal from 2022 to 2023 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 30, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1097157/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-portugal/
Statista, und ECB. "Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Portugal from 2022 to 2023." Chart. July 25, 2024. Statista. Accessed December 30, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1097157/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-portugal/
Statista, ECB. (2024). Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Portugal from 2022 to 2023. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 30, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1097157/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-portugal/
Statista, and ECB. "Total Number of Credit Cards and Debit Cards in Circulation in Portugal from 2022 to 2023." Statista, Statista Inc., 25 Jul 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1097157/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-portugal/
Statista & ECB, Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Portugal from 2022 to 2023 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1097157/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-portugal/ (last visited December 30, 2024)
Total number of credit cards and debit cards in circulation in Portugal from 2022 to 2023 [Graph], Statista, & ECB, July 25, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1097157/credit-card-and-debit-card-number-in-portugal/
