The European Central Bank published a survey finding that cash remains the most widely accepted payment method among euro area companies with physical points of sale. Cash acceptance rose to 92% in 2026 from 90% in 2024, reversing some of the decline observed during and after the pandemic. Card acceptance remained broadly stable at 88%, while mobile payment acceptance climbed to 68% from 36%. One-quarter of companies had taken steps to promote digital payments, including investing in cashless tills or reducing cash-accepting tills, and 13% had introduced self-checkout terminals. Companies cited consumer preference, security and ease of handling as key factors in payment acceptance, while viewing privacy and reliability as major advantages of cash. The survey covered 8,205 companies across all 21 euro area countries.
European Central Bank2026-08-13
European Central Bank finds cash acceptance rebounds to 92% among euro area companies
The European Central Bank found that cash remains the euro area's most widely accepted payment method, with acceptance among companies at physical locations rising to 92% from 90% in 2024. Card acceptance held at 88%, while mobile payment acceptance increased sharply to 68% from 36%.