Card spending at service stations up 9% from last year, AIB data shows

Eva Osborne

Card spending by AIB customers at service stations increased by nine per cent in the 12 months to March 2026.

Data from the bank showed that electric vehicle charging spend increased by 59 per cent during the same period, defined by global uncertainty and escalating fuel prices.

The latest AIB Spend Trend for March shows that, overall, spending was up seven per cent year on year.

The data was compiled from 79 million card transactions carried out by AIB customers in store and online during March 2026.

The busiest day for card spending in pubs was, unsurprinsgly, St Patrick's Day. However, March 17th only just pipped the St Brigid's Day (February 1st) spend.

Customers in Dublin had the highest average transactions in pubs on St Patrick’s Day, closely followed by those in Louth, Wicklow, and Monaghan. Waterford customers had the lowest average transactions in pubs on St Patrick’s Day.

Bills

The data shows that utility bills are up 14 per cent over 12 months, while telecoms and pay TV services are down two per cent.

Second-hand fashion spend has surged over the last year. From a low base, it has increased 287 per cent in the last 12 months, with 76 per cent of the purchases by women.

The 35 to 44 age group spent most in this category, followed by 45 to 54 and 25 to 34.

Spending on entertainment (including digital games, event tickets, cinema, sports clubs, and others) performed strongly, with nine per cent growth, and event ticket sales up by five per cent.

The best day for event tickets in the first quarter of the year was Wednesday, March 18th, when Olivia Dean fans were able to get the tickets they need for her two Marlay Park concerts.

AIB’s head of consumer, Adrian Moynihan, said “Irish consumers have experienced a turbulent start to the year, with utility, service station and EV spending increasing. However we can also see resilience in the economy as entertainment and leisure spend continues to grow.

"By monitoring these latest data trends, we can better support our customers, helping them to make informed choices that suit their needs, whilst ensuring businesses are equipped to respond to these changing patterns."