The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of digital banking among university students in the Czech Republic
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of digital banking among university students in the Czech Republic

Summary/Abstract: Research background: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the digital transformation of the banking sector and increased the use of online and mobile banking services. Young clients, particularly university students, represent an important segment due to their high digital literacy. However, research on gender differences in digital banking behavior in Central Europe remains limited. Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to identify gender-based differences in university students’ attitudes and behaviors toward digital banking in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focuses on the frequency of mobile banking usage, perceptions of online banking security, awareness of digital services, satisfaction with banking digitalization, and expectations about the future of banking services. Methods: The empirical study was carried out using an online questionnaire survey administered to 255 university students from 30 higher education institutions in the Czech Republic, including 22 public and 8 private universities. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was employed to assess statistically significant gender differences in selected aspects of digital banking usage and perceptions. Findings & Value added: The results confirm a high level of digital banking usage among students, with mobile applications as the dominant channel. The pandemic primarily accelerated existing digitalization trends. Significant gender differences were identified in mobile banking usage frequency and perceptions of online security, with female students reporting higher usage and more positive security evaluations. No significant gender differences were found in awareness, satisfaction, or future expectations. The study provides empirical evidence on gender-specific digital banking behavior among young clients in Central Europe.

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