More and more Romanians are choosing digital payments upon delivery, with one in four buyers already paying with their card to the courier, and almost 47% would give up cash if they received additional discounts or cashback, according to the results of a survey conducted by a courier company and published on Monday.

According to information processed by Cargus, digital payments are steadily gaining ground in the case of home deliveries, even if traditional payment methods remain a common choice for 62% of Romanians. 26% of respondents already pay with their card directly to the courier, and another 11% use completely online methods, such as paying through the courier company’s application or the link sent before delivery.

Romanians choose to pay by card because it is faster (39%), safer (33%) and, for some, more convenient (10%), thus avoiding having to prepare the money in advance or looking for the fixed amount when the courier is at the door. In addition, almost half (46.7%) would give up cash if they received discounts or cashback, and 32.7% if they knew that they would immediately receive their money back in case of a return.

However, trust in the merchant remains the factor that most influences the choice of payment method. Over half of Romanians (55%) say that they decide how to pay based on the reputation of the store. With big brands they feel safer and pay digitally without hesitation, but they become more cautious when ordering from smaller or lesser-known stores. Also, almost half (49%) of respondents believe that they would easily adapt to a market in which cash on delivery would disappear completely.

More and more buyers are discovering the advantages of paying with a card directly to the courier, and almost 28% of respondents who have not yet used this payment method say they would like to try this option. For many, the biggest worry when receiving a parcel with cash on delivery is having the money ready (50%) or the fear that they will not be home when the courier arrives (45%).

The results of the Cargus survey also show a clear link between the payment experience and the perception of the courier: 4 out of 10 Romanians believe that a courier who offers card payment conveys professionalism, seems more serious, attentive and modern.

As experiences become simpler and more transparent, so does the sense of security. 86% of Romanians say they feel comfortable or completely protected when paying with a card, either online or on delivery, and only 9% say they avoid digital payments.

The transition from cash to digital payments is closely linked to security, comfort and concrete benefits. Romanians do not give up cash just for convenience, but when they feel that digital payment brings a real advantage. Almost half (47%) would make the transition to card if they received discounts or cashback and 39.2% for a simpler and faster payment process. Instant money back and immediate confirmation of the transaction complete the top of expectations. However, 18.9% of respondents say that they prefer to stay with cash on delivery, regardless of the benefits.

When it comes to expectations, Romanians are no longer just looking for a fast payment, but one that is simple, secure and transparent. 50.7% consider instant confirmation of the transaction (e.g. via SMS) to be the most useful benefit, followed by 33.1%, who mention discounts or cashback, and 29.4%, who appreciate a quick refund. In addition, 8 out of 10 Romanians say that it is important to be able to choose how they pay, online, at the courier or via the app. The clearer and more flexible the options are, the greater the openness to digital methods.

Young people are once again the most open to change. Nearly 70% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents already use a card for online purchases, compared to 66% of Gen Xers. As these generations become the dominant online shopping audience, their expectations are raising the bar for the entire market.

The Cargus survey on Romanians’ payment habits is a project supported by Visa and was conducted between September 10 and 22, 2025, on a sample of 1,002 respondents from urban areas, over the age of 18. The study analyzes the preference for card, cash on delivery or digital wallets, as well as the factors that influence consumer choices, from security and convenience to the level of familiarity with merchants and couriers.

With over 30 years of experience, Cargus is the first courier company on the Romanian market. Currently, the company has over 2,600 employees and collaborators, offering a wide range of courier services: home delivery and out-of-home services, through the national SHIP & GO network, which allows customers to pick up or send parcels from over 2,000 locations nationwide, partner points or lockers.

Cargus has been part of Mid Europa Partners Investment Fund since the beginning of 2019. During this year, Mid Europa signed a sales agreement with Sameday, one of the main players in the courier market, the transaction being subject to approval by the relevant authorities.AGERPRES