Debit and credit card spending falls while deposits rise to new record

Online spending was up for the third consecutive month, increasing by 5%, or €136m, month-on-month

Spending last month on restaurants and accommodation fell from highs in August declining by 16% and 26% respectively. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Total card spending and ATM withdrawals by Irish consumers fell by €210m or 3% last month while households increased deposits by more than €1bn, new figures from the Central Bank show.

Despite the fall in September spending compared to August, the total card spend last month amounted to €7.5bn, a 15% rise on September last year.