For millions of South Africans, the monthly budget is under more pressure than ever before. Groceries cost more, fuel prices remain unpredictable, electricity tariffs continue climbing, and transport expenses are eating into household income at a time when many consumers are already stretched thin.
Whether it is a parent trying to fill a shopping trolley without going over budget, a commuter spending a hundred on fuel every week, or a young professional relying on takeaways after long working hours, the reality is the same across the country: everyday essentials are taking up a larger share of people’s money.
According to the latest SpendTrend26 report released by Discovery Bank and Visa South Africa, South Africans continue spending most of their money on essentials such as groceries, fuel, transport, takeaways, and travel.
The report is one of the country’s largest consumer spending studies and combines analysis of 2.6 billion credit card transactions across 12 million cards between 2021 and 2025. The research uses Visa’s payment data together with Discovery Bank’s transactional insights to track how South Africans spend, where they spend, and how consumer behaviour is changing across major cities and income groups.
The findings reflect a broader shift in South African consumer behaviour as households adapt to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. While people are still spending, they are becoming far more intentional about how they use their money.
According to SpendTrend26, grocery spending remains one of the biggest monthly expenses for most households as food prices continue to place pressure on consumers. Many South Africans are now shopping differently by comparing prices between retailers, buying in bulk during specials, and increasingly relying on rewards programmes and cashback incentives to stretch their budgets further.
Fuel and transport costs are also continuing to place a major strain on household finances. For workers commuting daily between townships, cities, and business districts, transport expenses now consume a significant portion of monthly income. Rising petrol prices are not only affecting motorists but are also pushing up taxi fares, delivery costs, and the price of everyday goods across the economy.
The report found that despite financial pressure, South Africans are still spending on convenience. Takeaways, dining out, and app-based food delivery remain popular, particularly around payday periods and weekends. Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner noted that many consumers now treat small lifestyle purchases as “earned treats” rather than reckless spending.
Digital payments are also rapidly becoming the preferred way to spend. According to the SpendTrend26 survey, 94% of respondents said they prefer card or digital payments over cash, while virtual card usage and digital wallets continue growing across South Africa.
The shift is especially visible in urban areas such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, where online shopping, tap-to-pay services, and app-based transactions are becoming part of everyday life. However, cash still remains important in sectors such as taxis, informal trade, and smaller businesses where digital infrastructure is less accessible.
Another major trend highlighted in the report is South Africans’ growing focus on value-driven spending. Instead of cutting spending completely, consumers are becoming more strategic. This includes using loyalty programmes more aggressively, timing purchases around promotions, and delaying non-essential expenses.
Black Friday remains one of the biggest shopping periods of the year, while long weekends and festive seasons continue driving spikes in spending on entertainment, alcohol, restaurants, and travel. According to SpendTrend26, daily spending during major events and celebrations is on average 13.6% higher than normal.
There are also signs that health-conscious spending habits are beginning to influence consumer behaviour. Separate findings linked to the report show that some South Africans are now spending more money on healthier food, wellness products, and fitness-related activities while reducing spending on alcohol and fast food.
Economic uncertainty continues to shape the way South Africans think about money. According to TransUnion research, inflation and rising living costs remain among the biggest concerns for consumers, with many households worried about debt repayments and monthly bills.
Across social media and online communities, South Africans are increasingly sharing frustrations about how quickly salaries disappear after payday. Many consumers say they are earning more than they did a few years ago but can still afford less because the cost of basic living has increased so sharply.
While spending patterns may continue evolving, the message from the latest data is clear: South Africans are still spending, but they are doing so with far more caution, discipline and survival-focused thinking than before.
