0
0
In 2024, Austrians made ten percent more payments with Visa cards than in the previous year.
Despite the popularity of cash, many see the future of payment as digital: Visa, the global payment giant, reported record-breaking growth figures for Austria in 2024. Consumers are increasingly turning to cards—whether in supermarkets, online stores, restaurants, or even when skiing.
Despite their desire to keep cash, Austrians are in a digital payment fever: the number of payment transactions with Visa cards rose by a whopping ten percent last year, while payment volumes increased by eight percent. “This essentially reflects the international development and our global growth at Visa in Austria,” explains Stefanie Ahammer, Country Manager of Visa in Austria. “The digitalization of payments is progressing continuously. We support this process with innovative solutions that make payments easier, faster, and more secure.”
Debit cards are flying high, doubling thanks to fintech innovations. The number of Visa cards in Austria has risen by twelve percent—a record! Visa debit cards, in particular, are growing rapidly: Their number has more than doubled. “On the one hand, this is due to our good cooperation with partners such as Raiffeisen, Wüstenrot, and Bitpanda, but is also driven by foreign online banks and fintechs, which are scoring points with innovative offers,” says Ahammer.
Card payment is becoming the standard: 30 percent more acceptance points. According to surveys, one in four people in Austria miss the option of paying by card, especially in small stores. More and more stores, including small stores, are responding to the high demand from customers and accepting card payments. The number of Visa-enabled payment terminals has risen by 30 percent since 2022. “Our investments in acceptance on the merchant side are paying off,” says Ahammer happily.
“Digital payments can be a sales driver for small and medium-sized companies in particular,” says the Visa boss, who sees advantages for merchants, restaurateurs, etc. After all, using payment technology is now simple for companies: ”It has never been so easy to accept card payments. Today, you no longer need terminals or special devices. The app on your smartphone is enough!”
- source: krone.at/picture: Image by Ahmad Ardity from Pixabay
This post has already been read 3 times!
