The Central Bank of Latvia published results from a February 2026 public opinion poll on how well residents understand the availability of financial services during crises, indicating rising awareness of measures intended to keep payments and access to cash functioning when communications are disrupted. Nearly one third of respondents (29%) reported awareness of a Central Bank of Latvia-initiated solution that enables card payments at selected retail outlets, fuel stations and pharmacies when communication services are unavailable, up from 23% in August 2025. Awareness of ATMs in the immediate vicinity also increased to 96% (from 93%), while familiarity with the “critical ATM” network remained low at 9%; these critical ATMs have had availability, power supply and connectivity to communication centres specifically secured. The survey also found that 66% of residents follow the recommendation to keep easily accessible cash sufficient to cover basic needs for one week. Merchants that have implemented the offline card payment solution plan to inform customers about progress, and the Central Bank of Latvia plans to update its information brochure on critical financial services in the second half of the year, adding compiled information on participating merchants.
Central Bank of Latvia 2026-04-14
Central Bank of Latvia poll shows offline card payment awareness up to 29% but only 9% know about critical ATMs
The Central Bank of Latvia published results of a February 2026 public opinion poll showing increased public awareness of measures to maintain payments and cash access during communication disruptions. Awareness of the central bank’s offline card payment solution rose to 29% and knowledge of nearby ATMs to 96%, while familiarity with the “critical ATM” network remained low at 9%, and 66% of residents reported holding one week’s worth of cash for basic needs. The central bank will update its brochure on critical financial services later this year.