According to the Croatian National Bank, a remarkable 775 million transactions were made in 2023, totalling an eye-watering €35.2 billion.
The nation’s switch to contactless payments is undeniable, with more than 8.5 million payment cards currently in circulation. Debit cards account for the majority, with 80% of Croats tapping away without the worry of incurring debt. Meanwhile, nearly 30% of the population holds a credit card, indicating that retail therapy remains a favourite pastime.
From bustling small businesses to big-ticket spenders, the trend towards cashless payments shows no sign of slowing. As Croatia increasingly goes digital in its financial habits, it seems the days of fumbling for coins and notes could soon be a distant memory.
