The Central Bank of Estonia reported that cash issuance fell 7% in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the previous quarter, while the number of ATM withdrawals declined about 11% from a year earlier. The bank issued 10.7 million banknotes worth EUR 307.8 million and 3.3 million coins worth EUR 2.1 million. Returns to the central bank totaled 7.7 million banknotes worth EUR 243.2 million, with the number unchanged from the previous quarter. Sorting led to the destruction of 1.71 million banknotes that were unfit for circulation, while the remainder were returned to circulation. Commercial banks also returned 1.7 million coins worth EUR 0.19 million, a 17% quarterly decline in the number returned. ATM withdrawals totaled EUR 922 million across 5.1 million transactions. Cash deposits through ATMs amounted to EUR 492 million, broadly unchanged from a year earlier. Estonia had 672 ATMs at the end of the quarter, including 225 that accepted deposits. Cash transactions were also available at 17 bank offices, and withdrawals could be made at about 700 shop tills.
Central Bank of Estonia reports 7% quarterly fall in cash issuance and about 11% annual decline in ATM withdrawal numbers
The Central Bank of Estonia’s cash update for the third quarter of 2026 showed issuance down 7% from the preceding quarter, comprising 10.7 million banknotes worth EUR 307.8 million and 3.3 million coins worth EUR 2.1 million. ATM withdrawal numbers fell about 11% from a year earlier to 5.1 million, with EUR 922 million withdrawn. ATM deposits totaled EUR 492 million, broadly unchanged from a year earlier.