Digital payments in the Nordics - statistics & facts
Digital payments have become increasingly common all over the world. Cash, however, is no longer the king in Scandinavia, and over 90 percent of Swedes surveyed in 2019 had used Swish. The leading mobile payment system in Sweden, launched in 2012, allows users to connect their phones to their bank accounts and transfer money instantly. Card payment was the most common digital payment service in both Denmark and Norway.
Nordic citizens have become more likely to pay by card in recent years. When asked whether they would pay by contactless card in-store if possible, one in two Swedes answered that they always would. Card payment is quick and easy, but as the case with many new technologies is, some consumers find it unsafe. More than half of Finns preferred not to enter their card information online.
Another emerging trend within cashless payment options has been various payment apps. In general, mobile payment methods have been popular in the Nordics. Despite PayPal’s worldwide success, Nordic inhabitants have been more likely to use local payment apps. Swish and Vipps were undoubtedly leading payment apps in Sweden and Norway, respectively, with around 80 percent of survey respondents using them.
Nordic citizens have become more likely to pay by card in recent years. When asked whether they would pay by contactless card in-store if possible, one in two Swedes answered that they always would. Card payment is quick and easy, but as the case with many new technologies is, some consumers find it unsafe. More than half of Finns preferred not to enter their card information online.
Another emerging trend within cashless payment options has been various payment apps. In general, mobile payment methods have been popular in the Nordics. Despite PayPal’s worldwide success, Nordic inhabitants have been more likely to use local payment apps. Swish and Vipps were undoubtedly leading payment apps in Sweden and Norway, respectively, with around 80 percent of survey respondents using them.
