Digital Wallets and Bank Transfers Gain Momentum Across Eastern Europe
Digital wallets and real-time bank transfers are rapidly gaining traction in Eastern Europe as consumers prioritize convenience, speed, and security. In Turkey, digital wallets made up over 10% of online transactions in 2023, up from under 5% in 2017, with local services like BKM Express and Paycell driving this growth. Poland’s BLIK service is another leader, with over 65% of internet users adopting real-time bank transfers in 2024. This shift is further supported by expanding digital infrastructures across the region.
Card Payments Remain Dominant Despite Rising Alternatives
Despite the rise of digital wallets and bank transfers, card payments still lead in Eastern Europe. In Turkey, credit and debit cards accounted for 65% of online transactions in 2023. The Czech Republic and Romania also show strong adoption of card payments, with debit cards particularly prevalent. The Czech card payments market is set to grow significantly, reaching over USD 110 billion by 2027, while contactless and mobile card usage continues to rise across the region.
Mobile and Instant Payments Reshape E-Commerce and Consumer Preferences
The mobile payment landscape in Eastern Europe is evolving quickly, driven by the shift to mobile-first solutions. In Hungary, mobile payments grew from over 15% in 2022 to over 20% in 2023. Similarly, Slovakia is experiencing increased adoption of contactless payments and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Countries Covered
- Turkey
- Poland
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Greece
- Slovenia
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Serbia
- Lithuania
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Latvia
Questions Covered
- What percentage of Poland’s online shoppers used BLIK for payments in 2024?
- What is the role of contactless payment technologies in the transition towards a cashless economy in Eastern Europe in 2025?
- How are QR codes contributing to mobile payments in Turkey in 2025?
- What is the mobile payment adoption rate in Hungary from 2022 to 2023?
- What is the projected card transaction value for Lithuania in 2028?
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Table of Contents
1. Key Takeaways2. Management Summary
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- BKM Express
- Paycell
- BLIK
- Przelewy24
- PayU
- PayPal
- Revolut
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Yandex.Money
- Allegro
- Vinted
