The Czech National Bank published survey results and payment system data showing that instant payments have become a mainstream retail payment method in the Czech Republic. It said 53% of Czechs now use the service and 99% of users are satisfied, while the average time from payment instruction to crediting the recipient’s account is three seconds. Instant payments run 24 hours a day through the CERTIS interbank payment system, and coverage now extends to banks serving almost the entire Czech retail market after the last major bank joined in 2025. Usage is continuing to grow. The CNB said 40.8 million instant payments were processed in April 2026, almost one half more than in April 2025. The release also highlighted merchant payments using QR codes, which 31% of the population already use in physical and online stores, with 98% satisfaction among those users. It noted that koruna instant payments can already be used for taxes, fees, insurance contributions and other payments to state and public institutions, and that private applications built on the infrastructure are starting to emerge. Looking ahead, the CNB said instant euro payments will be introduced in 2027. From January 2027, all banks will be required to accept instant euro payments, and by July 2027 at the latest they must also enable the sending of instant euro payments on a continuous 24/7 basis. In parallel, the CNB is working with banks on bulk koruna instant payments, which could be used for payments such as wages.
Czech National Bank2026-05-27
Czech National Bank says 53 percent of Czechs now use instant payments and sets out 2027 instant euro rollout
The Czech National Bank reported that instant koruna payments have become a mainstream retail method, with 53% of Czechs using the service, high satisfaction and growing volumes, supported by near-universal bank coverage and 24/7 CERTIS operation. It highlighted rising QR code merchant payments, emerging private applications, and use for taxes, fees and other public payments. The CNB plans to introduce instant euro payments in 2027, requiring banks to receive and later send such payments continuously, and is working with banks on bulk koruna instant payments for wages.