Israelis Spent Over ₪51 Billion in October, Driven by Dining and Travel
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli credit card spending reached 51.593 billion shekels in October 2026, a 12.5% increase from the previous year, according to Shva data. Spending on dining and travel surged, while hotels saw a decline. Online purchases grew significantly, but daily spending decreased from September's peak. The report cautions that spending increases may reflect price hikes rather than consumption volume.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli credit card spending in October 2026 reached ₪51.593 billion, up 12.5% year-over-year.
- Dining and entertainment spending surged 18.1% to ₪4.05 billion.
- Hotel and hospitality spending decreased 9.8% to ₪998 million, the only sector to decline.
- Online transactions grew 15.8% to ₪29.5 billion, while physical store spending rose 8.3%.
- Daily spending in October fell 6.2% from September's record high.
- The report notes spending increases may reflect price changes, not just consumption volume.
Israeli consumers spent approximately 51.593 billion shekels using credit cards in October 2026, a significant increase of 12.5% or about 5.7 billion shekels compared to the same month last year, according to data released by Shva. The figures reveal notable disparities across various economic sectors.
The dining and entertainment sector, including restaurants, cafes, and fast food, saw a substantial 18.1% rise in spending, reaching about 4.05 billion shekels, an increase of 619 million shekels year-over-year. In contrast, grocery store spending, though higher in total at approximately 6.37 billion shekels, grew by a more modest 3.7%.
Other sectors also experienced growth: clothing and footwear spending jumped 14.5% to 2.76 billion shekels, while spending on electricity and electronics reached about 2.92 billion shekels, up 13.5%. The aviation sector saw a 17% increase, and fuel expenses rose by 13.8%.
Notably, the hotel and hospitality industry was the sole sector to record a decline, with spending falling 9.8% to approximately 998 million shekels, down from about 1.1 billion shekels in October 2025. This decrease is the only one among the 11 detailed trade sectors. However, the report notes that the shift in the timing of the Sukkot holiday, which largely fell in September this year compared to October last year, may influence tourism spending comparisons.
Online transactions accounted for 29.5 billion shekels in October, a 15.8% increase, while spending at physical stores rose 8.3% to about 22.1 billion shekels. Conversely, cash withdrawals from ATMs decreased by 4.2% to around 5.16 billion shekels.
Despite the year-over-year growth, daily spending in October saw a 6.2% decrease compared to September, falling below 1.7 billion shekels per day for the first time in four months. The report emphasizes that these figures reflect monetary spending and may be influenced by price changes, not necessarily an equivalent increase in the volume of goods and services purchased.
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