Why using a digital wallet is the best decision I made in 2025

I am not sure what this says about me, but in general, I seem to need something extreme to happen in order to introduce change into my life. For example, I only buy a new phone once the old one can no longer be unlocked, and I give up on goals only when I know I have exhausted every possible option. With that in mind, I would say that the following anecdote is not particularly dramatic, but it did significantly change my life.

Namely, at the beginning of autumn, I was going through one of those days when it would have been best not to get out of bed at all, because nothing seemed to be going right, and on top of that I had a million obligations I had to get through. When that exhausting day finally came to an end, I decided to reward myself by lounging on the couch with pizza and my favorite sweets. After getting home, I left my things in the hallway, grabbed a tote bag, and headed to the market. I spent several minutes carefully choosing what to put in my basket, piling in household essentials and treats I planned to reward myself with. The day was already starting to look better as I imagined myself in my small, cozy corner. However, when I got to the checkout, I patted my pockets and froze. My wallet was not there. My first instinct was to panic, but I quickly remembered that I had simply left it in the bag I had put down in the hallway. I had to go back home for the money and then return to the market for the contents of my basket. And as you can probably imagine, I was furious at that entire day full of inconveniences, but most of all I cursed myself for not having a digital wallet, something my friend had been urging me to try for months.

That was when I finally decided to do everything in my power to make unpredictable and exhausting days at least a little easier, so I finally started using a mobile wallet. Of course, I was surprised by how easy it was to set up and by all the advantages of having all my Mastercard cards on the phone I never let out of my hands anyway. I no longer need my wallet when I just want to pop into the store, I do not use cash, so I no longer have annoying loose change at the bottom of every bag and in the pockets of winter coats, and every purchase I would normally make with a card, I now make with my phone. It is fast, simple, and most importantly for me, and the reason I hesitated the most, safe. Transactions made via a mobile wallet are secure, and no one else has access to my money.

Still, what I probably love most are the many benefits I could not have imagined with traditional banking. When I saw that this year Mastercard is, for the first time, offering 10 percent cashback as part of a campaign that lasts a full six months, from October 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, I knew that switching to a mobile wallet was the right choice.

Ella Laughmiller

3 reasons why I now cannot wait for Tuesday

You know what they say: it is not good to live your whole life just waiting for the weekend. I truly agree with that. While weekends are the most relaxed part of the week, usually reserved for rest and fun, we should also find beauty in weekdays. Lately, Tuesday has slowly become my favorite day of the week, because I always make the most of it. Namely, the Mastercard Priceless program offers 10 percent cashback if we pay with our Mastercard card via a mobile wallet on Tuesdays at restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and other hospitality venues in Serbia. Essentially, whenever I go out for coffee, cake, lunch, or dinner on a Tuesday, simply because I pay with my digital wallet, I automatically receive 10 percent cashback on every purchase. Girl math: when I enjoy my favorite food and drinks on Tuesdays, thanks to the cashback option I am actually saving money compared to making those same purchases on Wednesday or over the weekend. Therefore, since switching to a mobile wallet, I do these activities on Tuesdays instead of waiting for the weekend for small indulgences.

Coffee and a favorite pastry

I always look forward to weekends because after waking up I can get ready and go to my favorite bakery for a pastry, then sit down at a nearby coffee shop for the best espresso macchiato in town. However, cashback has allowed me to enjoy this little ritual on Tuesdays as well, without guilt, because part of the money I spend comes back to me. Before work, I start the day with a walk to the bakery and coffee shop, great if you are trying to hit 10,000 steps a day, where I grab a pastry and a coffee to go and receive 10 percent cashback. With treats in hand, I approach work with much more enthusiasm. Trust me, romanticizing life really works.

Vogue recommendations

Mandarina Cake Shop
Address: Baba Višnjina 26, Belgrade

Mandarina Pastry Shop is one of those places where every morning is exceptionally sweet. Croissant sandwiches and matcha are my go-to breakfast, but I admit it is hard to resist the countless beautiful cakes that seem to be calling to me from the display. That is why I often leave this pastry shop with a box of cakes as well, but I comfort myself with the thought that you should always treat yourself.

Sonder bakery 
Address: Baba Višnjina, 35, Belgrade

Sonder Bakery is also a great option for a sweet start to the day, especially for coffee lovers, as the coffee here is among the best in the city. However, even if you do not drink coffee, you will be delighted by other hot beverages such as matcha and teas, which are the perfect treat to start the day. When I am not in a rush, I also have breakfast here on Tuesdays, because their salmon draniki always tempt me.

A break from cooking

I love preparing food, but I think we can all agree that cooking seven days a week alongside work and other obligations can be too much. That is why, whenever I can, I treat myself to a ready-made lunch. And if you ask me, the Tuesday cashback option is the perfect time for a break from cooking. Since cashback can only be obtained on site, I buy lunch directly at the restaurant, but take it home, where I enjoy it with a new favorite series. I save my social battery for an evening out.

Vogue recommendations

SLOJ bistro&bakery
Address: Vojvode Petka, 7, Belgrade

Sloj Bakery and Bistro offer excellent food for both breakfast and lunch, but I most often treat myself to brunch here. Their outstanding pastries are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. I usually buy the mushroom and cheese coin pastry and finish with a peach and bergamot cube. And yes, I comfort myself with the fact that there are vegetables and fruit in these pastries, so they are not that unhealthy. If I am in the mood for a more substantial lunch, I visit Sloj in Dorćol, at Gospodar Jevremova 9, where I usually order the shrimp risotto or their special fried fish with fries.

June Cafe
Address: Gospodar Jevremova 25, Belgrade

If you like to eat lunch, or simply pick it up, in a beautiful minimalist setting, make sure to stop by June Cafe. They do not just serve excellent coffee, but also great healthy dishes for lunch and dinner, which will not make you feel bad about not having prepared the food yourself. A must-try during the colder season, because it is extremely cozy, are their homemade gnocchi with pumpkin cream and homemade stracciatella.

Going out for dinner

One of my favorite activities is putting together a new outfit and trying new dishes at restaurants. I usually scheduled restaurant outings for the weekend, even though I was never thrilled about the crowds I would encounter on Friday evenings. However, since I started using a digital wallet, I go to restaurants on Tuesdays. There are three reasons for this: a) there are no crowds on Tuesdays, so my favorite table is always available, b) when I pay for dinner with my Mastercard card via a mobile wallet, I receive 10 percent cashback, and c) that means I can, with a clear conscience, order one more cocktail or have dessert. I may only be getting partial cashback, but the feeling of happiness that fills me as I look forward to this activity, now reserved for Tuesdays, is priceless.

Vogue recommendations

Dragoljub New Balkan Cuisine
Address: Svetogorska 17, Belgrade

One of the best places for a Tuesday dinner, although also great on any other day, is Dragoljub New Balkan Cuisine. It is a new restaurant that continuously delights visitors with its innovative concept. Traditional Balkan food is prepared here in a slightly different and more contemporary way, while still preserving its original charm.

KISSA10
Address: Dobračina 29a, Belgrade

Sometimes in the evening I just want to enjoy good cocktails, always accompanied by something to snack on, especially when there is a cashback option. One of the best places for such outings is KISSA10, a bar with excellent and innovative cocktails you cannot try just anywhere. One of my favorites is their lo-fi cocktail, perfect for unwinding after a long day. I always order their homemade gyoza alongside it, which I share with friends. If you ask me, that experience is priceless.

Istok Restaurant

Address: Gospodar Jevremova 50, Belgrade

The excellent Istok restaurant, awarded a Michelin star, is always a good idea for dinner. I could eat their bao buns and dumplings every day. However, the team behind it is soon opening a completely new venue, Istok Not Istok, which promises an excellent and new gastronomic experience. And if it is even close to being as good as Istok, we know it is one to watch.

Ella Laughmiller

If you want to make your payments even more convenient and practical and turn Tuesday into a day of small pleasures, you can earn cashback simply by paying with your Mastercard card via a mobile wallet, provided that the card has been registered on priceless.com/dan since October 1, 2025.

The program includes all credit and debit Mastercard cards for individuals issued by the following banks in Serbia: Addiko Bank ad Belgrade, AikBank ad Belgrade, Banca Intesa ad Belgrade, Banka Poštanska Štedionica ad Belgrade, Erste Bank ad Novi Sad, Halk Bank ad Belgrade, NLB Komercijalna Bank ad Belgrade, OTP Bank Serbia ad Novi Sad, ProCredit Bank ad Belgrade, UniCredit Bank Serbia ad Belgrade, and Yettel Bank ad Belgrade.

Maestro, Mastercard Prepaid, and Commercial cards issued in Serbia are not included in the program.

This article was created in collaboration with the brand Mastercard.