The way people pay for everyday purchases is changing rapidly. Across Serbia, more consumers are choosing payment cards, mobile phones, and other digital payment methods instead of cash, while the network of POS terminals continues to expand. Advances in technology and easier access to cashless payment solutions have made cards and mobile devices the preferred choice for many transactions.
According to the National Bank of Serbia, there were more than 170,000 POS terminals in the country at the end of the first quarter of 2025, representing a 21.2% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. During the same period, consumers completed 175.7 million card purchases, highlighting the growing popularity of cashless payments among both businesses and individuals.
Cashless payments offer numerous benefits for consumers and companies alike. Transactions are faster and more convenient, there is no need to carry large amounts of cash, and every payment is automatically recorded, making it easier to monitor personal and business expenses. For merchants, digital payments improve efficiency and simplify daily operations.
The increasing use of contactless payments and digital wallets has also contributed to this trend. Paying with a smartphone or smartwatch takes only a few seconds, while the continued growth of e-commerce, mobile banking, and instant payment systems encourages consumers to rely even more on electronic transactions.
Although cash remains legal tender and continues to play an important role in everyday commerce, recent statistics indicate that consumer habits are evolving. Digital payment methods are becoming an essential part of the financial ecosystem, supported by the expansion of payment infrastructure and growing confidence in modern financial technologies.
As the number of POS terminals and digital payment solutions continues to rise, Serbia is following global trends toward a more digital economy. For consumers, this means greater convenience and flexibility, while businesses benefit from faster transactions, improved efficiency, and streamlined financial operations.