The latest figures for eftpos spending are reflecting findings which show consumers are feeling better off this Christmas.
Paymark processes about three-quarters of the country's electronic transactions.
More than $2.2 billion crossed its network in the first two weeks of this month - 7.7% more than the same time last year.
The figures come at the same time as Westpac's latest Consumer Confidence Index shows increased optimism.
The Westpac-McDermott Miller survey released on Monday suggests there's some caution around big-ticket spending.
But McDermott Miller managing director Richard Miller says it's clear most people feel the economy's getting better.
He says people are more optimistic than they were a year ago about spending money.
Mr Miller says rising house prices could either make people feel better off, or if they are in the market for a house make them feel more pessimistic.
But he says people in that situation at a certain point may decide to buy something else in the meantime.
Mr Miller says retailers should be confident the Christmas quarter will be much better than last year, but the question is whether it rolls on into next year.