Romania ranks fourth in 44 countries, having posted 156% growth in the number of Visa cards issued in Q2 this year. Visa officials say they are satisfied with the results in Romania and are confident in the growth potential of this segment.
Visa issued 125,708 new cards over the second quarter of the year, pushing the number of Visa cards operating in Romania to 706,938.
Visa has posted lately more than 100% growth rates regarding the number of issued cards, the total value of transactions and the number of transactions operated through cards. The value of transactions run through Visa cards doubled during the fiscal year concluded in June 2001, reaching about 290 million dollars, up from 135 million dollars in June 2000.
The number of transactions jumped 100% over the same period of time, reaching 9,726,882, up from 4,884,123. "On a 20 million-people market, with strong potential and remarkable openness towards modern payment devices, these results are extremely encouraging," Radu Obreja, Visa deputy chairman for Central and Eastern Europe, maintained.
The number of ATMs registered a 70% increase between June 2000 and June 2001, with 1,023 terminals operating at the moment. "The increase in the ATM number points to the development of both the cards and banking market. The banks are investing large amounts in order to provide the best conditions for the financial operations developed through cards," Radu Obreja concluded.
Romanians spent 202.5 million dollars through 468,000 Visa cards in 2000, up 97% against 1999 as for the amount and up 162% as for the newly issued cards.
The cards market has turned into a stage where the banks are fighting for attracting more and more clients. In addition to a wide range of cards intended to meet the needs of all the possible clients, the banks are also working on certain services additional to the card accounts.
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