Smart Payment Association Reports 2.47 Billion Card and Module Shipments in 2025
The Smart Payment Association (SPA) reported 2.47 billion payment cards and modules shipped in 2025. Shipments stabilized after chip shortages, while contactless and sustainable cards continued strong growth.
Munich – The Smart Payment Association (SPA) announced that its members and Advisory Council members shipped a total of 2.47 billion payment cards and chip modules in 2025. This figure marks a year of consolidation following eased supply pressure after the chip shortage, with module inventories now 5% above pre-shortage levels.
Despite headwinds that weighed on demand in certain regions during 2025, sustained growth in contactless and sustainable cards is expected to drive the market forward. Fintech expansion and new issuers also contributed to the ecosystem's resilience, reaching the reported shipment volume.
Regional performance varied. Demand softened in the Middle East and Africa, and in China. India also saw a slowdown due to revised card renewal rules by its banks. However, these were offset by growth in other areas, including South Asia excluding India (+17%), Brazil (+10%), and North Asia excluding China (+6%).
Contactless technology penetration reached 94% globally. Sustainable cards, or eco-cards, accounted for nearly 30% of total SPA card shipments in 2025, indicating widespread adoption. The fintech segment now represents nearly 10% of the unit volume, highlighting the continued relevance of physical cards in digital customer journeys.