Holiday timing sets the stage for a spending uplift across travel and retail
FNB expects stronger customer spend over Easter this year, as families take advantage of an early month-long weekend that coincides with the school holidays. The combination of travel, social gatherings, and seasonal shopping is likely to drive increased activity across everyday spending categories, despite households remaining conscious of budgets.
Looking back at spending behaviour in the leadup to Easter last year, FNB observed encouraging signs of resilience. In the three weeks leading up to Easter, total credit card spend reached R5.7 billion, representing a 5% year-on-year (YOY) increase. Groceries, general shopping, and fuel remained the top spending categories, although fuel spend declined slightly due to lower fuel prices.
“Spending patterns around Easter are heavily influenced by calendar timing,” says Akshay Bhayroo, Head of Retail Spend, for Credit Card at FNB. “This year, Easter falls early in the month and aligns with the school holidays conditions that typically allow customers more flexibility to plan their budgeted spending.”
Seasonal shopping was particularly evident last year, with chocolate spend increasing by a notable 26% YOY, alongside an 8% increase in accommodation spend, pointing to early travel related activity. Spend was driven largely by customers aged 35 to 54, with a consistent gender split of 38% female and 62% male cardholders.
During the week of Easter 2025, total Credit Card spend came to R1.94 billion, reflecting a slight decline from the previous year, largely driven by the shift in the Easter weekend timing. However, activity remained concentrated in groceries, restaurants and general retail, with chocolate spend increasing sharply by 38% YOY, underscoring the continued importance of food and family centred activity during the holiday.
“We’ve seen in previous years that when Easter aligns with school holidays and the start of the month, both transaction volumes and values tend to increase,” Bhayroo adds. “Based on these historic patterns, we are expecting stronger customer spend overall during the Easter period this year.”
According to Senzo Nsibande, CEO of FNB Credit Card, extended holiday breaks continue to be key drivers of card usage. “Long weekends like Easter typically drive higher card activity, particularly across accommodation, food, fuel and lifestyle categories,” Nsibande says. “While fuel price increases are expected going forward, we do not anticipate this to materially slow down overall travel‑related spend over this period. Geo-political tensions in the Middle East are placing upward pressure on oil prices and may result in some airlines operating under adjusted or constrained services, which could temper with long‑distance travel. However, this is likely to be offset by a stronger demand for local and regional trips. Even in a more value‑conscious environment, these breaks remain important moments for families,” he says.
As activity increases, Nsibande also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud during the busy holiday period.
“As spending ramps up, it’s essential for customers to stay alert,” he says. “Using a virtual card for online and in-app purchases provides an added layer of protection, with a dynamic CVV that automatically changes frequently, significantly reduces the risk of card related fraud. Simple steps like these can go a long way in keeping customers safe while they enjoy the Easter break
As customers prepare for increased activity over the Easter period, FNB is encouraging households to balance seasonal spending with smart financial decisions. Planning, keeping track of expenses and making use of secure digital payment tools can help customers enjoy the long weekend without unnecessary financial strain.
“Easter is a time for connection and celebration, but it’s also important to spend thoughtfully,” says Nsibande. “By monitoring spend in real time on the FNB App and taking advantage of secure features like virtual cards, customers can stay in control of their finances while still making the most of the holiday.”
SUPPLIED.
