The European Central Bank has published its 2026 survey on companies’ use of cash across the 21 euro area countries. Among companies receiving customer payments at physical locations, 92% accept cash, up from 90% in 2024, while card acceptance edged up to 88%. Mobile payment acceptance rose sharply to 68% from 36%, indicating that broader digital payment adoption has not displaced cash acceptance. Of companies accepting cash, 92% expect to continue doing so for the next five years. Cash acceptance was highest in retail, restaurants and hotels at 93%, compared with 84% in arts, entertainment and recreation. Among non-accepting companies, 36% cited low customer use and 35% cited difficulties withdrawing or depositing cash. One-quarter of companies had taken measures to promote digital payments, while only 52% of companies with self-checkout terminals allowed cash at at least some terminals.
European Central Bank2026-08-13
European Central Bank survey finds cash acceptance at 92%, mobile payment acceptance rises to 68%
The European Central Bank found that 92% of euro area companies with physical payment locations accept cash, while mobile payment acceptance rose from 36% in 2024 to 68% in 2026. Of current cash acceptors, 92% expect to continue for the next five years, although access to cash services and cash availability at self-checkout terminals remain constraints.