98% holders of bank cards use them to get cash from ATMs

Over 98% holders of bank cards in Moldova use them primarily to withdraw cash from ATMs and not to make payments or other transactions, stated Emma Tabirta, Vice Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, at a news conference on Thursday. Emma Tabirta suggested that people weren't aware of the benefits of non-cash payments, which is why they had little confidence in the system. “These means of payment guarantee increased security for your money. Even if stolen, bank cards can be restored as the money remains safe on one's account, which can be blocked by a simple call to the bank”, she explained. Emma Tabirta went on to add that non-cash payments also favored the national economy: reducing the money supply helps to contain inflation. Also, transactions become more visible, which helps to reduce shadow economy. The National Bank hopes that in the next few years the level of payments via bank cards will rise to 30 percent.