Bank cards, the "new wallet" of Albanians - BoA: The market is dominated by debit cards, while lending remains limited
Albanians are carrying less and less cash in their pockets - and more and more on their cards. The latest data from the Bank of Albania shows a clear shift in the way the daily economy functions, from a cash-based country to a society that is increasingly relying on electronic payments.
In 10 years, the number of bank cards has increased by over 700 thousand, reaching over 1.6 million in 2025.
Today, the card is no longer just a tool to withdraw money from an ATM. It is becoming the “main wallet” of citizens. The growth of payment cards shows that Albanians are paying more directly with their cards in stores, restaurants or online, leaving physical lek behind.
An important indicator is the fact that most cards are now multifunctional, offering both cash withdrawal and payment options. This indicates a development of banking products and an effort by financial institutions to adapt services to users' needs.
However, Albanians remain cautious about debt. Debit cards clearly dominate the market, while credit cards are growing more slowly. So, citizens prefer to spend what they have, not what they can borrow. The market structure is dominated by debit cards, which make up the majority of cards in circulation. These cards are directly linked to bank accounts and are used to manage existing funds.
In terms of card types, the market is dominated by two international operators, VISA and MasterCard, which account for almost the entire number of cards in circulation. Other cards have a minimal share.
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