1. Real-Time Bank Transfers: A Growing Trend in Secure Payments

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Real-time bank transfers are rapidly gaining traction in Eastern Europe. In Poland, services like BLIK accounted for nearly 70% of online payments in 2024, according to Gemius & IAB Polska. This shift towards instant payments is also noticeable in Hungary, where SEPA-based instant payments are increasingly common. Real-time payments are favored for their speed, security, and lower costs compared to traditional card-based systems, making them particularly attractive to consumers seeking fast, reliable transactions.

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This trend highlights the increasing demand for secure, seamless payment solutions, which are expected to continue driving growth in the digital payments market. As infrastructure improves, real-time bank transfers will become a core feature of the region’s digital payment ecosystem, offering businesses a chance to enhance customer satisfaction by providing faster and more secure transaction options.

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2. The Continued Role of Cards: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

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While new payment methods are on the rise, card payments, especially debit cards, remain dominant in Eastern Europe. In Turkey, cards represented 65% of online transactions in 2023, according to PPRO, maintaining a strong position despite the rise of digital wallets and bank transfers. Similarly, in Poland, cards continue to play a significant role in the payment mix, even as alternatives like BLIK gain ground.

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Debit cards are also a preferred payment method in countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where consumers value the security and convenience of card-based transactions. Despite the growing influence of digital wallets and mobile payments, cards will continue to be a key player in Eastern Europe’s payment landscape, providing consumers with flexibility and familiarity.

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3. Digital Wallets Gain Popularity: A Shift Toward Convenience and Security

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Digital wallets are becoming increasingly popular in Eastern Europe as consumers seek more secure and efficient payment methods. In Turkey, digital wallets accounted for over 10% of online transactions in 2023, up from just 5% in 2017, according to Pay.com, driven by local solutions like BKM Express and Paycell, which are favored due to regulatory restrictions on international services. Consumers are attracted to these wallets for their ease of use and enhanced security compared to traditional payment methods.

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This trend extends beyond Turkey, with countries like the Czech Republic and Poland also seeing a rise in mobile wallet adoption, particularly among younger demographics. As smartphones become central to daily life, mobile payments are expected to continue growing, further influencing the shift toward a mobile-first payment culture in Eastern Europe.

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4. Cash Remains Relevant in Some Markets, but Digital Solutions Are Gaining Ground

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Despite the growth of digital payments, cash remains a prevalent payment method in some Eastern European countries, particularly in rural areas and among lower-income consumers. However, even in these markets, digital payment adoption is on the rise. Bank transfers, mobile payments, and contactless solutions are becoming more widely accepted, particularly as financial literacy improves and payment infrastructure develops.

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For businesses, offering a variety of payment options will be essential to accommodate diverse consumer preferences. As digital payments continue to grow, cash may gradually lose its dominance, particularly as younger generations increasingly embrace digital solutions.

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5. Mobile and Contactless Payments: Shaping the Cashless Future

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The adoption of mobile and contactless payments is rapidly growing in Eastern Europe. In countries like Slovenia, Romania, and Hungary, the number of contactless payment cards is expected to increase significantly. In Slovenia, for example, contactless cards are projected to rise to 4.3 million by 2028, up from 3.7 million in 2023, according to GlobalData.

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This growth is driven by the increasing demand for faster and more secure payment options, particularly in urban areas where convenience is key. The rise of contactless payments is a clear indication of the region’s move toward a cashless society. For businesses, supporting these payment methods will be crucial to meeting customer expectations for fast, seamless transactions.

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6. Looking Ahead: A Digital-First Payment Future

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Eastern Europe’s digital payments market is set for continued growth, driven by the rise of digital wallets, mobile payments, and real-time bank transfers. As consumers increasingly trust digital payment methods, the region is moving toward a more digital-first economy. By 2025, businesses that adapt to these changes by offering secure, efficient, and mobile-friendly payment options will position themselves for long-term success in this rapidly evolving market.

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In conclusion, the digital payments landscape in Eastern Europe is changing quickly, driven by consumer demand for convenience, security, and speed. To remain competitive, businesses must embrace these trends and integrate digital payment systems into their platforms, ensuring they can meet the evolving needs of modern consumers. As the shift to digital payments accelerates, companies that innovate and adapt will thrive in the region’s growing digital economy.

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