Shoppers spent more on debit and credit cards from 19 December to 31 December compared to the same period last year, according to Barclaycard Payment Acceptance.

The processor of debit and credit card transactions reported that the busiest day prior to Christmas Day for turnover came on the 23 December with £497 million being spent. After Christmas Day, sales peaked on the 29 December with £376 million being spent.

Total 19-31 December 2009 turnover was £4,085 million compared to £3,989 million in the same period in 2008, a 2.4% increase.

Online retailers saw £9.5 million of turnover on Christmas Day compared to £8.1 million for Christmas Day 2008 – an increase of 17%.

Marc Pettican, head of sales at Barclaycard Global Payment Acceptance, said: “Our retailers have seen an increase in turnover compared to the same period last year with over £4 billion being spent. We’ve also seen a stronger post-Christmas performance as shoppers take advantage of the sales discounts and consider the effects of the imminent VAT increase.”””