The Bank of Spain has published its 2025 study on cash usage habits, finding that cash remains the leading payment method for in-store purchases in Spain but continues to decline as mobile payments grow. Cash is the main payment instrument for 57% of consumers in physical establishments and 55% use it daily, while bank cards remain the second most common main method at 27%. The report, based on face-to-face interviews with the general population and small retail and hospitality businesses, also notes that cash remains the most common way to pay between individuals, although Bizum is gaining ground and is the preferred option among people under 45. ATMs remain the main source of cash, with most people reaching them on foot in journeys of under 10 minutes, while residents and businesses in municipalities without a permanent bank branch report longer journeys and greater reliance on private transport. All surveyed small businesses accept cash, and acceptance of cards and especially mobile payments has increased, but cash remains more dominant in areas without a branch. Awareness and use of alternative cash-access channels such as Correos Cash and cash-back or cash-in-shop remain limited. The study also points to limited public and merchant awareness of the digital euro, with 20% of the population saying they would use it as a complement to existing payment methods and 27% of small businesses having heard of it.
Bank of Spain 2025-11-12
Bank of Spain publishes 2025 cash habits study showing 57% still mainly pay with cash in physical shops
The Bank of Spain's 2025 study shows cash is the primary in-store payment method for 57% of consumers, despite a rise in mobile payments. Cash remains common for transactions between individuals, though Bizum is gaining popularity among those under 45. The study notes limited awareness of the digital euro, with only 20% willing to use it alongside existing methods.