Cash Remains Most Widely Accepted Payment Method in Euro Area
A recent survey by the European Central Bank found that cash acceptance has rebounded in the euro area, with 92% of companies accepting cash in 2026.
### Cash Remains Dominant Payment Method in Euro Area A recent survey by the European Central Bank has found that cash remains the most widely accepted payment method in the euro area. The survey, which covered 8,205 companies across all 21 euro area countries, revealed that 92% of companies with physical points of sale accept cash in 2026. This represents a slight rebound in cash acceptance, which had declined during and after the pandemic. In 2024, 90% of companies accepted cash, indicating a modest increase in the past two years. ### Acceptance of Digital Payments on the Rise While cash remains the most widely accepted payment method, the survey also found that acceptance of digital payments is on the rise. The percentage of companies accepting mobile payments rose sharply from 36% in 2024 to 68% in 2026. Additionally, 25% of companies in the euro area have taken steps to promote digital payments, including investing in tills that accept cashless payments or reducing the number of tills that accept cash. ### Companies Prioritize Consumer Preference and Security When deciding which payment methods to accept, companies in the euro area most often cite consumer preference, security, and ease of handling as the main considerations. According to the survey, companies continue to see major advantages in accepting cash, including its privacy and reliability. The European Central Bank's survey provides valuable insights into the payment habits of companies in the euro area. As the use of digital payments continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how companies adapt to these changes and whether cash remains the dominant payment method in the future. ### Methodology The survey was conducted between February and April 2026, and the results are based on data from 8,205 companies across all 21 euro area countries. The European Central Bank's Directorate General Communications can be contacted for media queries at +49 69 1344 7455 or media@ecb.europa.eu.
