While bank cards in Moldova are constantly increasing in numbers, their holders mainly use them to withdraw cash from ATMs, accounting for roughly 80% of the total bank card operations. The statistics was presented by National Bank Governor Dorin Dragutanu at a news conference on Monday held to launch a national campaign which seeks to encourage the public to go for non-cash payments, IPN reports.

According to the NBM statistics, 60.4% of the 1.3 million cards issued are active, and only 19.8% of them are used to make payments.

The campaign will feature interviews and programs on various radio and television stations, as well as articles in the press to promote non-cash payment instruments. They will advertise advantages such as the use of remote banking services and others. Additionally, a special website will be launched at www.fărănumerar.md.

The NBM's partner in this campaign is the he Development Facility of the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE DF). The campaign will cost 100,000 euros.