Cyprus leads eurozone in card payment usage for second half of 2025

According to a report released by the Central Bank of Cyprus, the country recorded the highest share of card payments in the Eurozone during the second half of 2025. Non-cash transactions increased in both volume and value, with payment cards accounting for 75% of the total volume of non-cash transactions. While card payments were the most frequently used method, credit transfers remained dominant in terms of total monetary value, representing 84% of all transactions.

Data indicates a significant shift toward digital payments, supported by the widespread adoption of contactless technology and e-commerce. The number of payment cards in circulation in Cyprus reached 2.2 million, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period in 2024, which averages to approximately two cards per resident. Debit cards remain the preferred choice for daily consumer transactions, accounting for 84% of card types. Furthermore, online card transactions in Cyprus demonstrated a notably higher average value compared to point-of-sale physical payments, underscoring the growing importance of digital retail channels.