The Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan published an overview of the national bank card market, reflecting steady progress in product diversity, service accessibility, and transaction activity across regions.
Banks continue to expand their card products offerings, with a growing range of debit products differentiated by currency and payment system. Alongside traditional physical cards, virtual and co-badged solutions are becoming more common, typically characterized by simpler onboarding, low service costs, and broader digital functionality. Instalment and credit card products are also developing, offering consumers greater flexibility in managing payments, while service terms and pricing remain varied across providers.
Market indicators suggest that card usage is widely embedded across the country, with regional patterns generally aligned with adult population levels. The capital stands out as a major concentration point for card circulation and transaction value, highlighting its role as the leading centre for retail payments and financial activity.
Contactless payments are gaining further momentum, supported by strong growth in transaction frequency. This trend indicates that wider everyday use, rather than higher spending per purchase, is the primary driver of increased contactless turnover. At the same time, cash withdrawal behaviour remains moderate in most regions, while the capital continues to show a comparatively higher reliance on cash-out operations.
Overall, the data point to a market where growth is shaped by both increasing transaction volumes and evolving consumer payment habits, underpinned by expanding product choice and digital adoption.
