Tuesday, February 28 2023 22:04
Karina Melikyan

In 2023, non-cash card transactions reach 40% of  total volume of  plastic transactions

In 2023, non-cash card transactions reach 40% of  total volume of  plastic transactions

ArmInfo. In Armenia, the total volume of plastic transactions accelerated y-o-y growth from 26.3% in  2021 to 34.7% in 2022, exceeding 4.4 trillion drams or $11.3 billion (including transactions abroad with cards of Armenian issuing banks).  This is evidenced by the data of the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia, according to which the volume of transactions carried out  abroad with the cards of the issuing banks of Armenia increased 2.1-fold on a y-o-y terms up to 456.5 billion drams or 1.2 billion  dollars (10.3% of the total plastic transactions).

According to the regulator, the growth of plastic transactions is  supported by high activity of transactions through Virtual  POS-terminals (vPOS), the volume of which accelerated the y-o-y  growth from 35.3% to 52.4%, exceeding 947.6 billion drams or $2.4  billion in 2022, as a result of which their share in non-cash  transactions reached 54%, and in the total volume of plastic  transactions amounted to 21.5% (against 19% in 2021). This made it  possible to further increase the share of non-cash transactions in  the total volume of plastic transactions - from 32% in 2021 to 40% in  2022 (1.8 trillion drams or $4.5 billion), with a sharp acceleration  in the y-o-y growth in absolute value from 39.7% to 69 .7%. And if in  previous years the activity of non-cash transactions was determined  by Internet commerce, the popularization of mobile and web  applications by banks and Armenian Card, such effective incentives as  CashBack, then in 2022, the introduction of a legislative restriction  on cash payments from July 1 became a powerful impetus. This, in  turn, somewhat reduced the dominance of cash transactions in the  total volume of plastic transactions - from 68% in 2021 to 60% in  2022, which amounted to 2.7 trillion drams ($6.8 billion) in absolute  terms, of which about 96% were carried out through ATMs. Moreover,  the slowdown in the y-o-y growth in cash transactions from 21% to  18.5% was accompanied by the same slowdown in the growth of ATM  transactions from 21.6% to 19.5%.

In terms of cards, the volume of plastic transactions showed almost  the same growth for both local and international cards. In  particular, the volume of transactions with local ArCa cards  accelerated y-o-y growth from 13.8% to 26%, amounting to 689.9  billion drams in 2022. The volume of transactions with Visa cards  also accelerated the y-o-y growth from 34.2% to 38%, exceeding 2.1  trillion drams in 2022. Then, in terms of growth rates, transactions  on other international cards (HSBC, AmEx, DC) follow, with an  acceleration in rates from 9% to 22.5%, the volume of which amounted  to 101.6 billion drams in 2022. And the fourth place in terms of  y-o-y growth of transactions is occupied by MasterCard cards, with a  slowdown from 19.9% to 17.1% and ensuring the volume for 2022 at the  level of 1.1 trillion drams.

In terms of the share in the total volume of plastic transactions,  Visa cards hold the lead - 53.4% (against 50% in 2021), MasterCard is  in second place - 26.6% (against 29.4% in 2021), ArCa is in third  place - 17.4% (against 17.9% in 2021), and the remaining 2.6% of  transactions (against 2.7% in 2021) are transactions on other  international cards.

In the total number of cards, Visa cards also remain dominant - 47.5%  (against 44.1% in 2021), followed by MasterCard - 23.2% (against  25.9% in 2021), ArCa - 23.5% (vs. 28.3% in 2021), and other  international cards (HSBC, AmEx and Diners Club cards) make up the  remaining 5.8% (versus 1.7% in 2021).

The acceleration of the y-o-y growth rate of plastic transactions is  explained by the acceleration of the growth in the number of cards  from 8.3% in 2021 to 17.8% in 2022, of which there are 3.184 million  pieces as of January 1, 2023. In particular, the number of local ArCa  cards worsened the y-o-y dynamics from 0.5% growth to a 2% decline,  while the number of Visa cards accelerated growth rates from 13% to  26.7%, MasterCard - slowed down growth from 10.3% to 5.4%, but the  growth of other international cards accelerated much more  impressively - from 0.4% to 4-fold. A tangible growth was also  recorded in the number of ArCa-MIR cards - 2-fold (against 14.7%  growth in 2021), of which there are already 12,237 thousand pieces.

It should be noted that on July 1, 2022, the RA law "On non-cash  payments" came into force in Armenia, according to which, from that  date, transactions exceeding 300 thousand drams began to be carried  out in Armenia in a non-cash way. In addition, for certain  transactions, such as scholarships, public procurement, payment for  medical, educational, notarial, lawyer, including consulting  services, the requirement to make them completely non-cash came into  force. Wages and loans provided by banks and credit companies became  non-cash. Repayment of loans and insurance indemnities also began to  be carried out in a cashless manner. For pensioners and persons  receiving benefits under this law, there is a cash-back program in  the amount of 10% (no more than 5,000 drams) when making non-cash  card payments (including utility bills).  VTB Bank (Armenia),  Ardshinbank, ACBA Bank and Armbusinessbank have joined the cash-back  program. In accordance with the 9th part of the 4th art of this law,  the Central Bank, by its regulatory legal acts, may establish the  maximum and minimum limits of commissions for non-cash transactions,  as well as the cases, procedure and conditions for their collection.  In this regard, the Central Bank will regularly analyze the limits of  commissions charged by Armenian banks and carry out work to optimize  them. The Central Bank announces that in parallel with the increase  in non-cash payments in circulation, a further reduction in tariffs  is expected.

It should be reminded that the Central Bank of Armenia is the  majority shareholder of ArCa, then the major holders are ACBA Bank,  Armeconombank and Ardshinbank, while the remaining 14 banks each own  2% of the shares. Through their own processing, HSBC Bank Armenia and  VTB Bank (Armenia) operate on the card market. Unibank and INECOBANK  also have their own processors. There are 17 Armenian banks operating  in the plastic market, and even the 18th Fast Bank, which entered  November 2022, plans to start issuing cards soon. 

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     


News
Armenia`s seismic safety and disaster risk management priority for  ADBArmenia`s seismic safety and disaster risk management priority for  ADB
Armenia  among TOP-3 countries whose citizens prefer to vacation in  GeorgiaArmenia  among TOP-3 countries whose citizens prefer to vacation in  Georgia
New campaign in ECCO stores from IDBank and IdramNew campaign in ECCO stores from IDBank and Idram
Industrial price index  growing with industrial sector sagging Industrial price index  growing with industrial sector sagging 
Financial agreement  for construction of the Sisian-Kajaran road  debatedFinancial agreement  for construction of the Sisian-Kajaran road  debated
Armenia`s economic activity is losing momentum, with foreign trade  also saggingArmenia`s economic activity is losing momentum, with foreign trade  also sagging
Another early placement - Converse Bank dollar bonds sold in a matter  of daysAnother early placement - Converse Bank dollar bonds sold in a matter  of days
Armenia Minister of Finance held meetings in Washington as part of  the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank GroupArmenia Minister of Finance held meetings in Washington as part of  the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group
2024 another year of unkept promises - opposition MP2024 another year of unkept promises - opposition MP
Balchug Capital completes acquisition of Goldman Sachs` Russian unitBalchug Capital completes acquisition of Goldman Sachs` Russian unit
Tax policy much more complicated - businessman Tax policy much more complicated - businessman 
Fab Lab digital production laboratory opened in GyumriFab Lab digital production laboratory opened in Gyumri
What Types of Online Fraud Exist Today?What Types of Online Fraud Exist Today?
Armenia`s Cabinet of Ministers approves program to support  development of air transportationArmenia`s Cabinet of Ministers approves program to support  development of air transportation
What strategy will be used to implement a gender policy in Armenia, a  country with a predominantly female population and a notable gender disparity in employment?What strategy will be used to implement a gender policy in Armenia, a  country with a predominantly female population and a notable gender disparity in employment?
KfW allocates EUR 5.3mln for agricultural insurance in Armenia; EUR  500,000 to be directed to consultationsKfW allocates EUR 5.3mln for agricultural insurance in Armenia; EUR  500,000 to be directed to consultations
AMD 209mln allocated from Armenia`s state budget for repayment of bad  loans AMD 209mln allocated from Armenia`s state budget for repayment of bad  loans 
Armenia`s Cabinet approves procedure for affixing CIS customs seals  and stamps on transport documents Armenia`s Cabinet approves procedure for affixing CIS customs seals  and stamps on transport documents 
China preparing to open new chapter of  One Belt, One Road initiative  with involvement of Armenia - diplomat China preparing to open new chapter of  One Belt, One Road initiative  with involvement of Armenia - diplomat 
Armenia remains among EAEU leaders - Eldar Alisherov Armenia remains among EAEU leaders - Eldar Alisherov 
Construction of landfill in Hrazdan completedConstruction of landfill in Hrazdan completed
US Ambassador to Armenia meets with Westinghouse representativesUS Ambassador to Armenia meets with Westinghouse representatives
As a landlocked developing country, Armenia reiterates importance of  inclusive connectivity and open borders - Deputy FMAs a landlocked developing country, Armenia reiterates importance of  inclusive connectivity and open borders - Deputy FM
Armenia risks losing EAEU benefits if the West drags it into its  geopolitical games - Russian Deputy FMArmenia risks losing EAEU benefits if the West drags it into its  geopolitical games - Russian Deputy FM
Team establishing a 1-hectare forest in LoriTeam establishing a 1-hectare forest in Lori
Armenian NA approves amendments   to Tax Code postponing submission of  individual income statements Armenian NA approves amendments to Tax Code postponing submission of  individual income statements 
Counterfeit alcoholic beverage production exposed in Armenia Counterfeit alcoholic beverage production exposed in Armenia 
Armenian NA committee approves postponement of deadlines for   individual income statements  Armenian NA committee approves postponement of deadlines for   individual income statements  
AraratBank: Main Sponsoring Partner of STEM Expo 2025AraratBank: Main Sponsoring Partner of STEM Expo 2025
Armenia  establishing tourism cooperation with  Alsace, FranceArmenia  establishing tourism cooperation with  Alsace, France
Only 35,000 of 900,000 indviduals submitted income statements in 2024  - MPOnly 35,000 of 900,000 indviduals submitted income statements in 2024  - MP
Continued lending activity allows Armenian banks to increase profits  at double-digit ratesContinued lending activity allows Armenian banks to increase profits  at double-digit rates
Dominant faction of RA NA proposes postponing submission of  individual income returns Dominant faction of RA NA proposes postponing submission of  individual income returns 
The Merger between The Merger between "Ardshinbank" CJSC and "Ardshininvestbank" CJSC Has Been Completed
Pashinyan emphasizes the importance of developing a common economic  roadmap aimed at serving Armenia`s interestsPashinyan emphasizes the importance of developing a common economic  roadmap aimed at serving Armenia`s interests
Dollar transactions decreased and  ruble transactions increased in  Armenia`s interbank foreign exchange market, April 14-18, 2025Dollar transactions decreased and  ruble transactions increased in  Armenia`s interbank foreign exchange market, April 14-18, 2025
20% idcoin at Carpisa: IDBank and Idram’s new campaign20% idcoin at Carpisa: IDBank and Idram’s new campaign
In Q1 2025, Armenia`s public debt increased by approximately $740  million, reaching $13.6 billionIn Q1 2025, Armenia`s public debt increased by approximately $740  million, reaching $13.6 billion
Armenia`s opposition forces propose suspending property tax increase Armenia`s opposition forces propose suspending property tax increase 
ANIF embezzled budgetary funds - Transparency International ANIF embezzled budgetary funds - Transparency International 
WB launches $100 million project in Armenia to enhance local tourism   infrastructureWB launches $100 million project in Armenia to enhance local tourism   infrastructure
South Caucasus Railway improving platforms for passengers` comfortSouth Caucasus Railway improving platforms for passengers` comfort
IBRD to issue EUR 102mln to Armenia for improving medical services  quality IBRD to issue EUR 102mln to Armenia for improving medical services  quality 
State Control Service to supervise state budget execution State Control Service to supervise state budget execution 
Founder of Mantashyants business unioin critical of Armenia`s State  Revenue Committee Founder of Mantashyants business unioin critical of Armenia`s State  Revenue Committee 
Armenia to support IT companies in hiring foreign specialists, new  employees and  retraining personnelArmenia to support IT companies in hiring foreign specialists, new  employees and  retraining personnel
EAEU companies  given green light for cabotage transportation in  ArmeniaEAEU companies  given green light for cabotage transportation in  Armenia
Armenia`s Cabinet of Ministers gives go-ahead for extending deadline  for individuals to file declarationsArmenia`s Cabinet of Ministers gives go-ahead for extending deadline  for individuals to file declarations
5,237,825 AMD for the “City of Heroes Rehabilitation Center”: April’s beneficiary is the “4090” Foundation5,237,825 AMD for the “City of Heroes Rehabilitation Center”: April’s beneficiary is the “4090” Foundation
AraratBank to introduce a leasing solution with up to 35% cashback opportunity at Leasing EXPO 2025AraratBank to introduce a leasing solution with up to 35% cashback opportunity at Leasing EXPO 2025
Digital identity, digital authentication, and secure transactions: the imID office is officially openedDigital identity, digital authentication, and secure transactions: the imID office is officially opened
RA Tourism Committee: Tourist flow to Armenia continues to declineRA Tourism Committee: Tourist flow to Armenia continues to decline
AraratBank and FMO Expand Cooperation with a $25 Million Loan AgreementAraratBank and FMO Expand Cooperation with a $25 Million Loan Agreement
Ardshinbank Named Best Bank in Armenia in Four Categories by Global Banking & Finance ReviewArdshinbank Named Best Bank in Armenia in Four Categories by Global Banking & Finance Review
EDB provides of $78,000 grant for System of Electronic Vehicle  Passports in ArmeniaEDB provides of $78,000 grant for System of Electronic Vehicle  Passports in Armenia
Upper Lars checkpoint closed for transport Upper Lars checkpoint closed for transport 
Conversbank starts primary placement of $10mln coupon bonds Conversbank starts primary placement of $10mln coupon bonds 
SCR investment program for 2025 to exceed 2 bln dramsSCR investment program for 2025 to exceed 2 bln drams
Achilles` heel of  Armenia`s tax systemAchilles` heel of  Armenia`s tax system
Armenian authorities willing to improve concession agreement with  America AirportsArmenian authorities willing to improve concession agreement with  America Airports
Read more
Exchange rates
25.04.2025
RUB4.730.02
USD390.330.77
EUR443.14-1.00
GBP519.571.42
CAD281.08-0.84
JPY27.23-0.20
CNY53.560.12
CHF470.73-2.09