Consumer spending on credit cards hit a record in August and balances accruing interest are climbing for the first time in years. Commercial card spending went up even more. The value of purchases on personal credit and charge cards in August was A$34.3 billion, an increase of 6.8 per cent over 12 months and the highest level recorded in the data series. While the increase can be attributed to cash-strapped consumers falling back on credit, the recovery in overseas travel is also a factor. While the value of domestic purchases on personal credit and charge cards increased by 6 per cent over the past year, the value of overseas purchases rose 23.2 per cent. Total balances accruing interest grew 3.2 per cent to $18.5 billion over the year, which is perhaps a better indicator that household budgets are stretched. After falling steadily for a number of years, personal credit and charge card balances accruing interest bottomed at $17.7 billion in the middle of last year and have been climbing since then. Meanwhile, the value of purchases on commercial credit and charge cards in August was $7.9 billion – an increase of 12.3 per cent over 12 months. Again, overseas purchasing was a big factor. The value of domestic purchases on commercial cards rose 12 per cent over 12 months, while the value of overseas purchases rose 20.8 per cent. Commercial card balances increased by 14.2 per cent to $6.9 billion. Comparison site Small Business Loans Australia reported the results of a survey of commercial credit card users, with the key finding that businesses were looking for a cheaper deal.  Respondents said the most desirable credit card feature was no or low annual fees. Only 25 per cent said they got value from premium card offerings.