Mariana Velikova-Chausheva, Head of Cards Department at UniCredit Bulbank

The Bulgarian market in bank cards has seen a distinct growth. This is evidenced by both the increased number of transactions and the volume achieved with bank cards at POS terminals. The number of purchases made with credit cards at POS terminals in 2012 already exceeds the number for 2011 by approximately 20%, and the volume – by approximately 10%. For debit cards these rates are respectively 28% and 9%.

Traditionally, the growth of UniCredit Bulbank in card payments is above the average market growth. This is proven by the activity of cards used for payments at the POS terminals of UniCredit Bulbank in 2012. Compared to 2011 there is a growth of 39% in the number of transactions and 40% in the volume.

The information about the last quarter is still incomplete but during the holidays the volume of card payments is generally on the rise. In December cardholders are expected to spend 60% more than the average monthly amount of purchases at POS terminals for 2012. Actually this is the second peak within one calendar year after that in the summer holidays, namely July and August.

The past year distinctly showed that bank cards are used more and more for POS payments than for cash withdrawal at ATMs. The average amount of an ATM withdrawal transaction has not changed this year, the slight increase in the number of ATM withdrawals being due only to the increased number of cards. The more frequent use of cards as payment tool for everyday purchases is evidenced also by the decreased average value of purchases made by Bulgarian consumers in the past few years. The average amount spent at a POS terminal with one card in December 2011 was BGN 74, whereas a year earlier it was BGN 77. In December 2012 we expect an even lower average value.

Online trade is the fastest growing service in the card business in 2012. The number of transactions executed on the Internet in the first 9 months of 2012 is already 16% more than those executed in the whole 2011. At the same time the volumes are 4 million more compared to the whole previous year. There is a significant increase in debit cards, especially those for business clients. Transactions with business credit cards grow on average by 45% and volumes by over 30%. Transactions with individuals’ debit cards are 20% more, and with credit cards – 10% more.

In connection with this in one year there has been a 15% increase in the number of people who want to use the 3d Secure service. This service gives an additional personal code for protection in online shopping. It gives holders of bank cards bearing the logos of Visa and MasterCard greater control when using their cards on the Internet, limits the possibility of unauthorized use and enhances security for consumers shopping online. UniCredit Bulbank offers this service to its cardholders free of charge.

The overall analysis of card payments on the market shows that cardholders most frequently pay through POS terminals in supermarkets, shopping malls, gas stations, shops for clothes and shoes, technology stores, and hotels, which trend is preserved in the years.

The full text of the analysis read here.

More information for media:

UniCredit Bulbank, Identity & Communications Department

Viktoria Blajeva, Phone: + 359 2 9264 993, wjlj/ebwjepwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Ekaterina Ancheva, Phone: + 359 2 9264 963, flbufsjob/bodifwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch

Magdalena Ivanova, Phone: + 359 2 9232 528, nbhebmfob/jwbopwbAvojdsfejuhspvq/ch