The number of cards with a credit function in the Netherlands reached 318.94 thousand units in 2023, marking a -2.25% year-on-year decrease. Starting from 2014, the market has depicted a general downward trend with substantial annual decreases, especially from 2014 to 2020, where notable declines were seen. The most significant drop of -18.86% occurred in 2020. Over the past five years, the market has experienced an average annual reduction of -1.7%. The forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 indicates a continued decline with a five-year CAGR of -2.04%, resulting in a projected value of 281.49 thousand units by 2028.
Future trends to watch include shifts in payment technology preferences, increased adoption of digital and contactless payments, and evolving consumer behavior regarding credit usage. These factors could further influence the demand and functionality of credit cards in the coming years.