Digital payments fuel Kuwait spending surge

Consumer activity in Kuwait surged during the first half of 2026, with total spending climbing by 5 percent to KD 27.92 billion. This growth, reported by Al-Seyassah daily and based on Central Bank of Kuwait data, was significantly propelled by the increasing adoption of electronic and digital payment methods.

The number of transactions also saw a substantial jump, rising by 12.7 percent to 809.57 million from 718 million in the same period of the previous year. This indicates a broader shift towards digital commerce and payment convenience among consumers.

Point-of-sale (POS) terminals facilitated the largest portion of spending, accounting for KD 9.462 billion through 505.04 million transactions. E-commerce followed closely, with transactions totaling KD 8.533 billion across 186.98 million purchases, underscoring the continued expansion of online retail.

Notably, the instant payment service “WAMD” demonstrated remarkable growth, with transaction values increasing by 52.3 percent to KD 5.557 billion. The service processed 85.56 million transactions, a significant rise from the previous year, highlighting its growing popularity and utility in Kuwait's evolving financial landscape.