70% Of Maltese Prefer Paying By Card, Survey Finds

A recent survey reveals that electronic payments remain the most popular transaction method among Maltese residents, with 70% of respondents favouring digital options.

Only 13% said they preferred cash, while 17% expressed no clear preference. These figures are consistent with the 2023 results.

The preference for electronic payments is broadly stable across all demographics.

However, the non-binary group showed a strong leaning towards neutrality, with two-thirds selecting ‘No Preference’.

Men reported the highest preference for cash (17.6%) among genders. Regionally, the Southern Harbour and Gozo and Comino districts showed the strongest cash preference, both at 18%. Among age groups, those aged 65+ had the highest inclination towards cash (21%).

When asked why they preferred cash, 17% cited better control over spending, followed by convenience and lack of fees (13% each). ‘Efficiency’ (7%) and ‘Other’ (1%) were least cited. This trend was similar in 2023, although more respondents then prioritised spending control.

By region, most districts echoed this preference for budgeting control.

However, Northern District participants prioritised privacy (18%), while Gozo and Comino residents cited reliability and convenience equally (14%).

For electronic payments, convenience topped the list of reasons (24%), followed by online purchases (17%). Across all genders, districts, and age groups, convenience was consistently the leading motivator.

Among non-binary respondents, safety, traceability, and convenience were equally cited (20% each).

#MaltaDaily