The newly released insights provide a detailed look at payment trends, transaction volumes, and shifting consumer preferences during one of the busiest retail days of the year.
Comparison of November 2025 month-to-date data with the same period in 2024 and 2023 shows growth in both number and value of transactions. According to Business Report, average transactions per client have risen by 5% compared with 2024 and by 13% compared with 2023. Meanwhile, average spend per client is up 3% compared with last year.
Insights indicate that digital wallets have now emerged as the default method for in-store transactions, with smart device payments accounting for nearly 60% of all in-store card purchases— almost double the share seen during Black Friday in 2023.
This reflects a decisive pivot towards frictionless, easy payment methods that leverage technology for added security and convenience.
MyBroadband reports that this year, virtual cards made up nearly 30% of all online purchases, up from around 20% in November 2024 — signaling rising consumer confidence in digital-first payment methods.
The dashboard flagged several high-value single transactions, including one of R500,000 and another of over R99,000, showing that some consumers are using Black Friday to make major purchases.
Discovery Bank’s SpendTrend Dashboard offered a real-time pulse of South African retail behaviour — making it a critical resource for retailers, analysts, and policy watchers.
According to industry observers, the combination of higher transaction volumes, more digital payments, and significant occasional high-value purchases reflects growing consumer confidence, shifting payment habits, and strengthening infrastructure to support online and in-store commerce.
With transaction volumes and spending higher than in previous years, this year’s Black Friday provides a more optimistic indicator of consumer resilience — even in a challenging economic climate.
*The SpendTrend Dashboard was updated every three hours throughout Black Friday — from 5am to 11pm — providing continuous visibility into spending patterns. The data covers average transaction size, payment methods, online vs. in-store mix, high-value purchase events, and merchant preference.
View the Black Friday SpendTrend Dashboard.
