Bulgaria’s bank card holders are increasingly making purchases online and are warming up to mobile phone payments, according to a new survey.

The survey, by MasterIndex Bulgaria and commissioned by MasterCard Europe, showed that 79 per cent of Bulgarian cardholders use the Internet for shopping.

However, almost 21 per cent of cardholders do not use the internet.

Active bank card holders in Bulgaria turn out to be active consumers, a trend that could set the table for e-commerce, said Manuel Alexe, emerging markets vice-president at MasterCard Europe.

The most regular online buyers are aged between 18 and 24 years, accounting for 45 per cent. Shoppers aged 25 to 34 represent the second largest group.

A total 23 per cent of cardholders consider online shopping to be safe, while 41 per cent think online purchases are risky.

More than half of the bank card holders in Bulgaria say they would pay their utility bills through their mobile handset if they had the opportunity.

Another 16 per cent say they would top up their phone and 15 per cent would buy tickets for culture or sports events. On the other hand, 27 per cent of respondents say they would not use their card to make payments through their mobile.

Source: Dnevnik.bg