U.S. cards-in-force (CIF) for Visa and Mastercard payment cards (credit & debit) increased 8.4% year-on-year (YOY) in the first quarter (1Q/17). U.S. credit cards increased 9.7% YOY while CIF for debit cards rose 7.5% YOY, in 1Q/17, according to CardData.
There are were 1272 million Visa and Mastercard payment cards in circulation in the U.S. at the end of 1Q/17, compared to 1251 million for 4Q/16 and 1173 million for 1Q/16.
Visa is leading U.S. credit card CIF in YOY growth as well as U.S. debit cards CIF YOY gains in 1Q/17.
The 1Q/17 U.S. credit card CIF for both networks was up 9.7% YOY, to 541 million, compared to 535 million for 4Q/16 and 493 million for 1Q/16.
The 1Q/17 U.S. debit card CIF for both networks was up 7.5% YOY, to 731 million, compared to 716 million for 4Q/16 and 680 million for 1Q/16.
Visa U.S. credit cards had an estimated 13.0% YOY gain in CIF for 1Q/17, to an estimated 340 million, compared to a revised 335 million for the prior quarter, and a revised 301 million for the year ago quarter.
Mastercard U.S. credit cards posted a 4.7% YOY gain in CIF for 1Q/17, to 201 million, compared to a revised 200 million for the prior quarter, and a revised 192 million for the year ago quarter.
Visa U.S. debit cards had an estimated 9.7% YOY gain in CIF for 1Q/17, to an estimated 542 million, compared to a revised 527 million for the prior quarter, and a revised 494 million for the year ago quarter.
Mastercard U.S. debit cards posted a 1.6% YOY gain in CIF for 1Q/17, to 189 million, compared to a revised 189 million for the prior quarter, and a revised 186 million for the year ago quarter.
U.S. PAYMENT CARDS-IN-FORCE (Visa + MasterCard) [credit & debit]
1Q/16: 1173 million
2Q/16: 1198 million
3Q/16: 1217 million
4Q/16: 1251 million
1Q/17: 1272 million
Source: CardData
