Credit cards in Bulgaria 2017-2018

As of 2018, Bulgaria has a population of 7.0 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €56.1 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €8.0 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.4% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2018, there are 7,430,000 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.06 cards per capita), a decrease of 109,200 or 1.45% compares to 7,539,200 in 2017. There are 1,239,600 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2018, an increase of 89,900 or 7.82% compares to 1,149,700 in 2017. Debit cards decrease by 217,000 or 3.39% to 6,188,900 in 2018, compares to 6,405,900 in 2017. There are 1,600 cards with a delayed debit function as at 31st December 2018.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 160.9 millions of card payment transactions in 2018(22.99 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of 31.2 millions or 24.06% compares to 129.7 millions in 2017. Out of these transactions, 30.2 millions or 18.77% is paid by credit cards, an increase of 1.1 millions or 3.78% compares to 29.1 millions in 2017. Majority of card payment transactions(130.6 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 30.0 millions or 29.82% compares to 100.6 millions in 2017; despite the 3.39% decrease in number of debit cards issued in 2018. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.2% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €5.2 billions in 2018(€0.74 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of €0.1 or 1.96% compares to €5.1 billions in 2017. This also translates into €32.3 per card payment transaction, a decrease compares to €39.3 in 2017. Out of these transactions, €1.3 billions or 25.00% is paid by credit cards, similar to amount spend in 2017. Majority of card payments, €3.9 billions in value is paid by debit cards, an increase of €0.1 billions or 2.63% compares to €3.8 billions in 2017. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.2% to the EU total transactions value.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2016-2017

As of 2017, Bulgaria has a population of 7.1 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €51.7 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €7.3 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.3% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2017, there are 7,539,200 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.06 cards per capita), an increase of 81,600 or 1.09% compares to 7,457,600 in 2016. There are 1,149,700 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2017, a decrease of 66,300 or 5.45% compares to 1,216,000 in 2016. Debit cards increase by 125,900 or 2.00% to 6,405,900 in 2017, compares to 6,280,000 in 2016. There are 1,800 cards with a delayed debit function as at 31st December 2017.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 129.7 millions of card payment transactions in 2017(18.27 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of 36.0 millions or 38.42% compares to 93.7 millions in 2016. Out of these transactions, 29.1 millions or 22.44% is paid by credit cards, an increase of 3.4 millions or 13.23% compares to 25.7 millions in 2016, despite the 5.45% decrease in number of credit card. Majority of card payment transactions(100.6 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 32.6 millions or 47.94% compares to 68.0 millions in 2016; which is a solid growth considering the 2.00% increase in number of debit cards issued in 2017. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.2% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €5.1 billions in 2017(€0.72 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of €1.9 or 59.38% compares to €3.2 billions in 2016. This also translates into €39.3 per card payment transaction, an increase compares to €34.2 in 2016. Out of these transactions, €1.3 billions or 25.49% is paid by credit cards, an increase €0.2 billions or 18.18% of compares to €1.1 billions in 2016. Majority of card payments, €3.8 billions in value is paid by debit cards, an increase of €1.7 billions or 80.95% compares to €2.1 billions in 2016. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.2% to the EU total transactions value.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2015-2016

As of 2016, Bulgaria has a population of 7.1 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €48.1 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €6.8 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.3% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2016, there are 7,457,600 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.05 cards per capita), an increase of 305,000 or 4.26% compares to 7,152,600 in 2015. There are 1,216,000 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2016, an increase of 271,600 or 28.76% compares to 944,400 in 2015. Debit cards increase by 74,000 or 1.19% to 6,280,000 in 2016, compares to 6,206,000 in 2015. There are 1,900 cards with a delayed debit function as at 31st December 2016.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 93.7 millions of card payment transactions in 2016(13.20 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of 14.1 millions or 17.71% compares to 79.6 millions in 2015. Out of these transactions, 25.7 millions or 27.43% is paid by credit cards, an increase of 4.94 millions or 23.80% compares to 20.76 millions in 2015, which is inline with the increase in number of credit card. Majority of card payment transactions(68.0 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 10.1 millions or 17.44% compares to 57.9 millions in 2015; which is a solid growth considering the 1.19% increase in number of debit cards issued in 2016. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.2% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €3.2 billions in 2016(€0.45 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of €0.4 or 12.50% compares to €2.8 billions in 2015. This also translates into €34.2 per card payment transaction, a decrease compares to €35.3 in 2015. Out of these transactions, €1.1 billions or 34.38% is paid by credit cards, an increase €0.2 billions or 22.22% of compares to €0.9 billions in 2015. Majority of card payments, €2.1 billions in value is paid by debit cards, an increase of €0.3 billions or 16.67% compares to €1.8 billions in 2015. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.1% to the EU total transactions value.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2014-2015

As of 2015, Bulgaria has a population of 7.20 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €44.16 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €6.14 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.30% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2015, there are 7,152,640 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(0.99 cards per capita), a decrease of 74,440 or 1.03% compares to 7,227,080 in 2014. There are 944,420 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2015, an increase of 6,490 or 0.69% compares to 937,930 in 2014. Debit cards decrease by 80,340 or 1.28% to 6,206,020 in 2015, compares to 6,286,360 in 2014. There are 1,980 cards with a delayed debit function and 230 cards with a credit and/or delayed debit function as at 31st December 2015.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 79.65 millions of card payment transactions in 2015(11.06 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of 14.41 millions or 22.09% compares to 65.24 millions in 2014. Out of these transactions, 20.76 millions or 26.06% is paid by credit cards, an increase of 2.88 millions or 16.11% compares to 17.88 millions in 2014, an excellent growth considering the 0.69% increase in number of credit cards. Majority of card payment transactions(57.93 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 11.30 millions or 24.23% compares to 46.63 millions in 2014; which is a solid growth considering the 1.28% decrease in number of debit cards issued in 2015. 0.94 millions transactions recorded by cards with a delayed debit function and 0.01 millions transactions recorded by cards with a credit and/or delayed debit function in 2015. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.15% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €2.81 billions in 2015(€0.39 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of €0.51 or 22.17% compares to €2.30 billions in 2014. This also translates into €35.3 per card payment transaction, similar to figure in 2014. Out of these transactions, €0.95 billions or 33.81% is paid by credit cards, an increase €0.12 billions or 14.46% of compares to €0.83 billions in 2014. Majority of card payments, €1.82 billions in value is paid by debit cards, an increase of €0.38 billions or 26.39% compares to €1.44 billions in 2014. In 2015, €0.05 billions recorded by cards with a delayed debit function. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.11% to the EU total transactions value, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2013-2014

As of 2014, Bulgaria has a population of 7.22 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €42.75 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €5.92 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.31% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2014, there are 7,227,080 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.00 cards per capita), a decrease of 509,380 or 6.58% compares to 7,736,460 in 2013. There are 937,930 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2014, an increase of 135,620 or 16.90% compares to 802,310 in 2013. Debit cards decrease by 647,790 or 9.34% to 6,286,360 in 2014, compares to 6,934,150 in 2013. There are 2,010 cards with a delayed debit function and 780 cards with a credit and/or delayed debit function as at 31st December 2014.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 65.24 millions of card payment transactions in 2014(9.04 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of 19.82 millions or 43.64% compares to 45.42 millions in 2013. Out of these transactions, 17.88 millions or 27.41% is paid by credit cards, a significant increase of 7.35 millions or 69.80% compares to 10.53 millions in 2013, in accordance to the 16.90% increase in number of credit cards. Majority of card payment transactions(46.63 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 11.73 millions or 33.61% compares to 34.90 millions in 2013; which is a solid growth considering the 9.34% decrease in number of debit cards issued in 2014. 0.73 millions transactions recorded by cards with a delayed debit function and 0.01 millions transactions recorded by cards with a credit and/or delayed debit function in 2014. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.14% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €2.30 billions in 2014(€0.32 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of €0.57 or 32.95% compares to €1.73 billions in 2013. This also translates into €35.3 per card payment transaction, a decrease compares to €38.1 in 2013. Out of these transactions, €0.83 billions or 36.09% is paid by credit cards, an increase €0.36 billions or 76.60% of compares to €0.47 billions in 2013. Majority of card payments, €1.44 billions in value is paid by debit cards, a significant increase of €0.18 billions or 14.29% compares to €1.26 billions in 2013. In 2014, €0.03 billions recorded by cards with a delayed debit function. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.10% to the EU total transactions value, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2012-2013

As of 2013, Bulgaria has a population of 7.27 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €41.91 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €5.76 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.31% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2013, there are 7,736,460 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.06 cards per capita), a decrease of 523,170 or 6.33% compares to 8,259,630 in 2012. There are 802,310 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2013, a decrease of 175,140 or 17.92% compares to 977,450 in 2012. Debit cards decrease by 348,030 or 4.78% to 6,934,150 in 2013, compares to 7,282,180 in 2012.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 45.42 millions of card payment transactions in 2013(6.25 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of 12.74 millions or 38.98% compares to 32.68 millions in 2012. Out of these transactions, 10.53 millions or 23.18% is paid by credit cards, an increase of 1.71 millions or 19.39% compares to 8.82 millions in 2012; a significant increase in credit card usage, taking into account the 17.92% decrease in the number of credit cards. Majority of card payment transactions(34.90 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 11.04 millions or 46.27% compares to 23.86 millions in 2012; which is a solid growth considering the 4.78% decrease in number of debit cards issued in 2013. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.10% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €1.73 billions in 2013(€0.24 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of €0.35 or 25.36% compares to €1.38 billions in 2012. This also translates into €38.1 per card payment transaction, a decrease compares to €42.2 in 2012. Out of these transactions, €0.47 billions or 27.17% is paid by credit cards, an increase €0.02 billions or 4.44% of compares to €0.45 billions in 2012. The rest of card payments, €1.26 billions in value is paid by debit cards, a significant increase of €0.33 billions or 35.48% compares to €0.93 billions in 2012. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.08% to the EU total transactions value, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2011-2012

As of 2012, Bulgaria has a population of 7.31 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €41.69 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €5.71 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.31% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2012, there are 8,259,630 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.13 cards per capita), an increase of 273,930 or 3.43% compares to 7,985,700 in 2011. There are 977,450 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2012, a decrease of 1,100 or 0.11% compares to 978,550 in 2011. Debit cards increase by 275,020 or 3.92% to 7,282,180 in 2012, compares to 7,007,160 in 2011.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 32.68 millions of card payment transactions in 2012(4.48 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of 4.56 millions or 16.22% compares to 28.12 millions in 2011. Out of these transactions, 8.82 millions or 26.99% is paid by credit cards, a decrease of 0.69 millions or 7.26% compares to 9.51 millions in 2011; an obvious decline in credit card usage, since there is only a 0.11% decrease in the number of credit cards. Majority of card payment transactions(23.86 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 5.25 millions or 28.21% compares to 18.61 millions in 2011; which is a solid growth considering only 3.92% increase in number of debit cards issued in 2012. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.08% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €1.38 billions in 2012(€0.19 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of €0.26 or 23.21% compares to €1.12 billions in 2011. This also translates into €42.2 per card payment transaction, an increase compares to €39.9 in 2011. Out of these transactions, €0.45 billions or 32.61% is paid by credit cards, an increase €0.04 billions or 9.76% of compares to €0.41 billions in 2011. The rest of card payments, €0.93 billions in value is paid by debit cards, a significant increase of €0.22 billions or 30.99% compares to €0.71 billions in 2011. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.07% to the EU total transactions value, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2010-2011

As of 2011, Bulgaria has a population of 7.35 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €40.96 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €5.57 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.31% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2011, there are 7,985,700 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.09 cards per capita), an increase of 369,850 or 4.86% compares to 7,615,850 in 2010. There are 978,550 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2011, a decrease of 13,880 or 1.40% compares to 992,430 in 2010. Debit cards increase by 383,740 or 5.79% to 7,007,160 in 2011, compares to 6,623,420 in 2010.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 28.12 millions of card payment transactions in 2011(3.83 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), an increase of 7.47 millions or 36.17% compares to 20.65 millions in 2010. Out of these transactions, 9.51 millions or 33.82% is paid by credit cards, a significant increase of 1.82 millions or 23.67% compares to 7.69 millions in 2010; which is a healthy growth as the number of credit cards issued declined by 1.40% in 2011 compares to previous year. Majority of card payment transactions(18.61 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 5.65 millions or 44% compares to 12.96 millions in 2010; which is a solid growth considering only 5.79% increase in number of debit cards issued in 2011. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.08% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €1.12 billions in 2011(€0.15 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), a significant increase of €0.31 or 38.27% compares to €0.81 billions in 2010. This also translates into €39.9 per card payment transaction, a small increase compares to €39.4 in 2010. Out of these transactions, €0.41 billions or 36.61% is paid by credit cards, a significant increase €0.05 billions or 13.89% of compares to €0.36 billions in 2010. The rest of card payments, €0.71 billions in value is paid by debit cards, a significant increase of €0.25 billions or 54.35% compares to €0.46 billions in 2010. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.06% to the EU total transactions value, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2009-2010

As of 2010, Bulgaria has a population of 7.53 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €37.72 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €5.01 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.30% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2010, there are 7,615,850 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.01 cards per capita), a decrease of 65,930 or 0.86% compares to 7,681,780 in 2009. There are 992,430 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2010, a decrease of 58,140 or 5.53% compares to 1,050,570 in 2009. Debit cards decrease by 7,790 or 0.12% to 6,623,420 in 2010, compares to 6,631,210 in 2009.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 20.65 millions of card payment transactions in 2010(2.74 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), a significant increase of 7.97 millions or 62.85% compares to 12.68 millions in 2009. Out of these transactions, 7.69 millions or 37.24% is paid by credit cards, a whopping increase of 3.44 millions or 80.94% compares to 4.25 millions in 2009; which is a magnificent growth as the number of credit cards issued declined by 5.53% in 2010 compares to previous year. Majority of card payment transactions(12.96 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 4.53 millions or 53.74% compares to 8.43 millions in 2009; which is a solid growth considering the 0.12% decrease in number of debit cards issued in 2010. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.06% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €0.81 billions in 2010(€0.11 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), a decrease of €0.18 or 18.18% compares to €0.99 billions in 2009. This also translates into €39.4 per card payment transaction, a significant decrease compares to €78.4 in 2009. This also shown why the total payment cards spending fall despite the tremendous jump in number of payment cards transactions in Bulgaria. Out of these transactions, €0.36 billions or 44.44% is paid by credit cards, the same amount as recorded in 2009. The rest of card payments, €0.46 billions in value is paid by debit cards, a decrease of €0.17 billions or 26.98% compares to €0.63 billions in 2009. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.05% to the EU total transactions value, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2008-2009

As of 2009, Bulgaria has a population of 7.59 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €34.93 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €4.61 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.30% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2009, there are 7,681,780 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.01 cards per capita), a decrease of 407,950 or 5.04% compares to 8,089,730 in 2008. There are 1,050,570 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2009, a significant decrease of 167,630 or 13.76% compares to 1,218,200 in 2008. Debit cards decrease by 240,310 or 3.50% to 6,631,210 in 2009, compares to 6,871,520 in 2008.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 12.68 millions of card payment transactions in 2009(1.67 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), a marginal decrease of 0.01 millions or 0.08% compares to 12.69 millions in 2008. Out of these transactions, 4.25 millions or 33.52% is paid by credit cards, an increase of 0.81 millions or 23.55% compares to 3.44 millions in 2008; which is a healthy growth as the number of credit cards issued declined by 13.76% in 2009 compares to previous year. Majority of card payment transactions(8.43 millions) are paid by debit cards, a decrease of 0.83 millions or 8.96% compares to 9.26 millions in 2008; which is inline with decrease in number of debit cards issued in 2009. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.04% to the EU total number of transactions, the lowest in Europe with Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, stand at €0.99 billions in 2009(€0.13 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe), no change compares to the value recorded in 2008, This also translates into €78.4 per card payment transaction, an increase compares to €77.7 in 2008. This shows payment card is used only for large amount purchases in Bulgaria. Out of these transactions, €0.36 billions or 36.36% is paid by credit cards, a significant increase of €0.08 billions or 28.57% compares to €0.28 billions in 2008. This is influence by increase on the number of credit card transactions. The rest of card payments, €0.63 billions in value is paid by debit cards, a decrease of €0.07 billions or 10% compares to €0.70 billions in 2008. This is in accordance with the decrease in the number of debit cards issued and number of transactions. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.06% to the EU total transactions value, one of the lowest in Europe.

Credit cards in Bulgaria 2007-2008

As of 2008, Bulgaria has a population of 7.61 millions with a GDP(gross domestic product) of €34.12 billions. This makes Bulgaria a country with one of the lowest GDP per capita in Europe, at €4.49 thousands GDP per capita. Bulgaria contributes 0.27% of the EU total GDP.

As at 31st December 2008, there are 8,089,730 payment cards issued in Bulgaria(1.06 cards per capita), an increase of 851,880 or 11.77% compares to 7,237,850 in 2007. There are 1,218,200 credit cards in Bulgaria as at 31st December 2008, a significant increase of 131,120 or 12.06% compares to 1,087,080 in 2007. Debit cards increase by 593,650 or 9.46% to 6,871,520 in 2008, compares to 6,277,870 in 2007.

Total Card Payments in Volume and Value
Bulgaria has one of the lowest number of card payment transactions in Europe with 12.69 millions of card payment transactions in 2008(1.67 transactions per capita - lowest in Europe), a significant increase of 2.58 millions or 24.86% compares to 10.38 millions in 2007. Out of these transactions, 3.44 millions or 26.54% is paid by credit cards, an increase of 0.74 millions or 27.41% compares to 2.70 millions in 2007; which is inline with increase in number of credit cards issued in 2008. Majority of card payment transactions(9.26 millions) are paid by debit cards, a significant increase of 1.58 millions or 20.57% compares to 7.68 millions in 2007; which is inline with increase in number of debit cards issued in 2008. Bulgaria total card payment transactions volume contributes a minute, insignificant 0.04% to the EU total number of transactions, second lowest in Europe after Malta.

Bulgaria has one of the lowest total card payments in value in Europe, however, there is a whopping increase of €0.29 billions or 41.43% to €0.99 billions(€0.13 thousands per capita - lowest in Europe) in 2008, compares to €0.70 billions in 2007. This also translates into €77.7 per card payment transaction, an increase compares to €67.6 in 2007. This shows payment card is used only for large amount purchases in Bulgaria. Out of these transactions, €0.28 billions or 28.28% is paid by credit cards, a whopping increase of €0.09 billions or 47.37% compares to €0.19 billions in 2007. This is influence by increase on the number of credit cards issued and number of transactions. The rest of card payments, €0.70 billions in value is paid by debit cards, a significant increase of €0.19 billions or 37.25% compares to €0.51 billions in 2007. This is in accordance with the increase in the number of debit cards issued and number of transactions. Bulgaria total card payment value contributes a a minute, insignificant 0.06% to the EU total transactions value, second lowest in Europe after Malta.