Brits splash out over bank holiday

Britons used their payment cards more this August bank holiday weekend than they have at any point since Christmas 2019, before the pandemic struck, according to data just released.

Barclaycard, which processes £1 in every £3 spent on debit and credit cards in the UK, said the number of transactions was 14.4% higher this bank holiday weekend than the same time last year.

On both Saturday and Sunday Barclaycard said it processed more transactions than on any other date since Christmas Eve 2019.

“We haven’t seen transaction volumes like these since Christmas 2019, the last major shopping milestone before the pandemic,” said Barclaycard Payments chief executive Rob Cameron.

“This is hopefully a sign of more positive times to come, and a testament to the strength and resilience of British businesses when it comes to adapting and thriving in a postlockdown world.”