Romania’s e-commerce market offers diverse payment options to meet consumer preferences. From popular card payments like Visa and Mastercard to the growing use of bank transfers, cash on delivery, and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, Romanian shoppers enjoy flexibility. Digital wallets such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and local platforms like eMAG Wallet are also gaining traction, enhancing speed and security in online transactions. This guide outlines the key payment methods shaping the country’s e-commerce landscape.
Payment by Card in Romania
In Romania, Visa and Mastercard are the most used cards for e-commerce. Debit cards are preferred over credit cards. Around 70% of online transactions use cards.
There is no local card system in Romania. The Romanian National Bank regulates card payments under European rules like PSD2, ensuring strong customer authentication.
Card-not-present fraud is a concern. Merchants implement 3D Secure for safety. Most Romanian e-commerce sites support this protocol to reduce risks.
Contactless payments are growing. Romanian cardholders expect smooth, fast transactions. Many local gateways partner with international ones for processing.
Cards are usually in RON, but payments in euros or dollars are also accepted. Romanian merchants work with local and international acquirers for processing. Processing fees vary by acquirer and card type. Multi-currency support is important, especially for international clients.
Payment by cash in Romania
In Romania, cash is still a popular payment method for e-commerce, particularly through Cash on Delivery (COD). Many consumers, especially in rural areas, prefer COD due to concerns about online fraud or distrust in digital payments.
COD allows customers to pay in cash when the product is delivered. While card payments are growing, cash remains important for e-commerce businesses. Some couriers accept both cash and card payments at the door.
COD carries risks for merchants, such as failed deliveries or customer refusals. Many merchants account for these costs in their pricing.
Fan Courier, Sameday, and DPD are popular courier services that support Cash on Delivery (COD) for e-commerce. These companies handle both the delivery and the cash collection process, offering convenience for merchants and customers. Additionally, some online platforms like eMAG and Altex offer COD as a payment option to cater to cash-preferred customers.
Payment by bank transfer in Romania
In Romania, bank transfers are a common payment method for e-commerce, particularly for large purchases. Customers often prefer this option for its security. Most Romanian banks support SEPA transfers for euro payments and local transfers in RON. Merchants provide their bank details during checkout, and customers complete the transfer manually.
Instant payments are becoming more popular, offering faster transactions and immediate confirmation. This eliminates delays common with traditional bank transfers. Banca Transilvania, ING Romania, and BRD offer instant payment services through their mobile banking apps. These services allow customers to make payments quickly, improving the shopping experience.
Romanian e-commerce platforms often use Netopia MobilPay and PayU to integrate bank transfer options. These processors collaborate with local banks to offer secure and convenient payment methods. Bank transfers are secure but less convenient than card payments, requiring manual input from customers.
Payment by BNPL in Romania
In Romania, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is expanding rapidly in e-commerce. BNPL allows consumers to pay in installments, providing more financial flexibility.
Leanpay (based in Slovenia) partners with over 100 merchants in Romania and aims to reach 500 by the end of 2024. The average payment made with Leanpay is around 5,000 RON, typically spread over 28 installments​. It has recorded over 25,000 interactions with Romanian consumers in its first year.
Mokka (based Poland) works with over 1,500 retailers in Romania, including big brands like CCC and Lensa. Installment plans range from 30 days to 24 months, offering flexibility for various budgets​
TBI Pay, part of TBI Bank, focuses on both online and offline BNPL solutions. It is widely used in sectors such as electronics and fashion. Beez, in addition to BNPL, offers cashback rewards and partners with many e-commerce retailers across Romania​.
Optimo Card, offered by Credit Europe Bank, allows installment payments for e-commerce, supporting up to 48 monthly installments and integrating with major digital wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
These platforms provide crucial flexibility in payments, driving higher conversion rates and improving the customer shopping experience across Romanian e-commerce.
Local actors : TBI Pay, Beez, Optimo Card
Payment by digital wallet and X-Pay in Romania
In Romania, e-wallets and digital wallets are becoming increasingly popular for e-commerce payments. Google Pay and Apple Pay are supported by most major Romanian banks, including Banca Transilvania, ING Romania, and Raiffeisen Bank. These wallets allow users to store their card information securely and make quick payments with just a few clicks. Samsung Pay is also gaining traction among Romanian users with compatible devices.
eMAG Wallet, part of Romania’s largest e-commerce platform, eMAG, is a local digital wallet gaining popularity. It allows users to make seamless payments on the platform and benefit from loyalty programs.
Netopia MobilPay is another local player, offering a digital wallet used by many e-commerce platforms in Romania. It supports both online and offline payments, with easy integration for merchants.
E-wallets and X-Pay solutions increase transaction speed and security, reducing the need to manually enter payment details. Romanian consumers prefer them for their convenience, and more merchants are integrating these options into their checkout processes.
Local actors : eMAG Wallet, Netopia MobilPayÂ
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