
While gross dollar volume on bank credit cards have increased 2.5 times since 1994, the average transaction has increased about 16% over the past decade. The average transaction on a general purpose credit card, carrying the VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover brand, is now approaching $102, compared to $87 in 1994. Last year was the first time in the industry's history that the average credit card transaction topped $100. The increase in credit card ticket size is clearly related to the sharp rise in debit card transactions which siphon off smaller transactions. The average off-line debit purchase transaction is currently $39.78, according to CardData (www.carddata.com).
| Avg. Bank Credit Card Transaction | |
|---|---|
| 1994: | $87.28 |
| 1995: | $89.90 |
| 1996: | $91.76 |
| 1997: | $96.22 |
| 1998: | $96.52 |
| 1999: | $98.91 |
| 2000: | $99.46 |
| 2001: | $99.25 |
| 2002: | $99.76 |
| 2003: | $101.64 |
| Source: CardData (www.carddata.com) | |