As of 2023, the number of cards with a debit function per inhabitant in the UK was expected to be slightly below the 2024 value of 1.57, showing a steady rise. From 2024 to 2028, the forecast projects a gradual increase year-on-year with the following progression: from 1.57 to 1.61. The compound annual growth rate over these five years is modest, demonstrating a stable increase in debit card ownership.

Future trends to watch for:

The impact of digital banking and mobile payments on traditional debit card usage.
Regulatory changes in the financial sector affecting payment methods.
Technological advancements that may integrate debit functions into other emerging platforms.