Mobile phones increasingly replacing wallets in Slovenia

Payment cards continue to dominate transactions in Slovenia, with 86% of individuals using them weekly, according to the latest Masterindex research conducted by Mediana for Mastercard. Debit cards are the most prevalent, found in 90% of wallets, with users citing their broad applicability for everyday purchases, online shopping, and at gas stations.

However, mobile payments are rapidly gaining ground, transforming the mobile phone into a digital wallet. This payment method has been adopted by 73% of Slovenians for various daily tasks, including retail and online purchases, as well as dining services. The research indicates a significant acceleration in digital transformation within Slovenia, driven by mobile and biometric solutions.

The study also highlights a shift in consumer sentiment towards increased spending optimism. After a period of caution, Slovenians are more frequently purchasing lifestyle, leisure, and gift items. Categories like gifts, flowers, and books saw a notable rise in online purchases (27%), alongside travel bookings like flight tickets and accommodations (nearly 45%). Ticket purchases for cultural and entertainment events also increased, with 37% buying them online.

Looking ahead, 35% of respondents envision a future where mobile apps entirely replace physical payment cards. Despite the desire for digital convenience, 88% still value the physical control offered by payment cards during transactions. This preference for security combined with ease of use is driving innovation in payment verification methods, with tokenization playing an increasingly important role in securing digital payments.