TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Credit card usage in Taiwan surged to NT$373.3 billion (US$12.65 billion) in April, setting a record for what is typically a slow spending month, the Financial Supervisory Commission reported Thursday.

The FSC attributed the strong performance to changing consumer habits and a broader shift toward card-based payments, per CNA. Although the figure fell NT$3.9 billion from March, it still marked a 3.78% year-on-year increase.

FSC Banking Bureau Deputy Director-General Wang Yun-chung (王允中) said growing familiarity with card payments has helped lift April numbers despite seasonal headwinds. “Credit card spending is becoming more habitual, even during off-peak months,” he explained.

E.Sun Bank led the month in new cards issued, with 552,000, largely driven by its switch to Carrefour co-branded cards. CTBC Bank followed with 89,000, while Cathay United, Taishin, and Taipei Fubon rounded out the top five.

Cathay United Bank also topped the list in total spending, with NT$66.82 billion in April transactions. CTBC Bank posted NT$64.1 billion, followed by Taipei Fubon (NT$49.48 billion), E.Sun (NT$43.9 billion), and Taishin (NT$40.29 billion).

Additionally, credit cards in circulation rose to 59.39 million, with 39.42 million listed as valid. Both figures climbed steadily from March, showing sustained demand in the credit card market.