The average number of cards owned varies depending on personal income, age, and education, with most users possessing up to 3 cards and continuously using them for more than 5 years, according to research by MasterCard and GfK.
As many as 91 percent own at least one card, which is slightly less compared to April (93 percent) when the MasterIndex spring survey was conducted. For the first time since the beginning of the MasterIndex research (2009), the number of those who have reduced card usage is greater than those who have intensified their usage, while the share of card payments has remained stable since 2010 – on average, card users pay with them 5-6 times in 10 purchases.
When it comes to card types; the use of MasterCard and Maestro cards is above average in Zagreb and its surroundings (MasterCard 29 percent, Maestro 77 percent) and in Northern Croatia (MasterCard 26 percent, Maestro 76 percent). The use of debit cards has increased compared to last year (from 87 percent to 90 percent) while the use of credit and deferred payment cards has remained stable (54 percent).
The results of the MasterIndex survey show that citizens are struggling with their finances more than ever; only 14 percent of respondents confirmed that they manage to save. Most households are having trouble with basic needs: 20 percent are in debt, and 33 percent are barely making ends meet. Given the financial situation, only a minority would recommend larger investments at this time.
