Retail spending using electronic cards has risen, with people swiping more for items such as clothing, as well as dining out.
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Official figures show spending using debit, credit and charge cards rose a seasonally-adjusted 0.7 percent in February, after a small rise the month before.
Core retail spending, which strips out vehicle-related industries, climbed 1.2 percent.
The rise in spending was helped by people purchasing clothing and big-ticket items around the home, but also in bars, restaurants and cafes.
Meanwhile, spending on fuel fell last month.
The e-card sales, which cover credit and debit cards, but don't include cash or cheques, make up about two-thirds of overall retail sales.