Statistical news focuses on the latest figures and trends in Danmarks Nationalbank’s statistics. Statistical news is targeted at people who want quick insight into current financial data.
Turnover was dragged down by Danish payment cards in the third quarter
The total turnover with payment cards in Denmark fell by kr. 4 billion from the second to the third quarter of 2025, corresponding to 2.2 per cent. The decline partly reflects the summer holiday period in the third quarter, when turnover in Denmark from Danish and foreign payment cards moves in opposite directions. Card turnover in Denmark from Danish payment cards typically falls when Danes travel abroad on holiday, while turnover from foreign cards rises when tourists visit Denmark.
Turnover from foreign payment cards in Denmark peaks in the third quarter
Note:
The figure shows the turnover with payment cards in Denmark and covers the nominal value of all transactions carried out in Denmark with both Danish and foreign payment cards. It includes both physical store purchases and online transactions but excludes cash withdrawals. Find chart data in the Statbank here.
Higher activity with foreign payment cards in the third quarter of 2025
The turnover from Danish payment cards in Denmark fell kr. 7.2 billion from second to the third quarter of 2025, while it increased kr. 3.3 billion from foreign cards. In the third quarter, turnover from foreign cards reached a peak, accounting – as last year – for 11 per cent of total card turnover.
As a supplement to the quarterly payment statistics, Danmarks Nationalbank receives data on daily payment card transactions in Denmark. These data show the distribution across the countries that contribute most to card turnover in Denmark. In the third quarter of 2025, five countries accounted for more than half of the turnover from foreign cards, with Germany alone representing 23 per cent. These same five countries also contributed most to the increase in turnover from the second to the third quarter of 2025.
Higher activity with foreign payment cards in the third quarter of 2025
Note:
The figure shows the nominal value of payment card transactions on the payment card acquiring market in Denmark from foreign cards, broken down by country. It includes both physical store purchases and online transactions but excludes cash withdrawals.