European Payment Cards Statistical Yearbook Synopsis

The countries of Europe are very different but generally mature payments markets, with cards issued and acceptance networks continuously growing in most countries. While this is significantly true of more recent EU-acceding countries like Bulgaria and Romania, investment by western banking groups and the potential for increasing economic integration at EU level make it likely that the maturity of their payments will converge over time towards those of the more developed markets.

The annual yearbook editions report the differences in issuance, acceptance and use of different payment methods at the POS and on the internet across the European nations. Further, key performance indicators and notable market trends by country have been added.

Key facts highlighted in the reports:

European card payments and internet payments showed significant growth in 2011.
The EMV migration is now de-facto complete in most European countries.
The total growth in ATM terminals and cash withdrawals, again, showed that the battle against cash is ongoing.
Debit card payments continued to grow across most of Europe (CAGR 8.6% between 2006 and 2011). Delayed debit cards and credit cards showed a similar growth rate CAGR 7.3%) although credit cards declined in 2011.
During 2011/12 the roll-out of contactless cards has gained momentum and more and more contactless pilots including NFC devices were launched.
There is a clear movement towards e-payments and mobile payments on the internet.
A new emerging market is the mobile merchant segment and the use of smart phones and tablets as mobile cash register device and mini-EFTPOS terminals.

Understanding the different characteristics and dynamics of the individual European national markets is essential. This yearbook edition provides a historical context for the current state of the marketplaces while looking forward to see opportunities for growth and modern payment initiatives.

Don’t let the differences between markets become a barrier to growth – the European Payments Card Yearbook 2012-13 edition provides the information needed to see a clearer way ahead.

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European Payment Cards Yearbook