Cash remains most widely accepted payment method in euro area
A European Central Bank survey shows cash remains the most widely accepted payment method in the euro area, with 92% of companies accepting it in 2026, up from 90% in 2024.
Cash acceptance by euro area companies rebounded slightly to 92% in 2026, according to the European Central Bank’s latest survey. The increase follows a decline during and after the pandemic, with retail trade, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment sectors reporting the highest acceptance rates. The ECB’s findings indicate cash remains the dominant payment method in physical locations across the region.
Card payments continued to be accepted by 88% of companies, maintaining stability since 2024. Mobile payment acceptance surged from 36% to 68% over the same period, reflecting growing digital adoption. Meanwhile, 25% of companies have actively promoted cashless payments through investments in tills or reducing cash-accepting counters.
Self-checkout terminals have been introduced by 13% of euro area companies, signaling a shift toward automated and digital transaction processes. The survey highlights that consumer preference, security, and ease of handling are the primary factors influencing payment method decisions for businesses.
The ECB’s survey covered 8,205 companies across all 21 euro area countries, with interviews conducted between February and April 2026. Companies cited privacy and reliability as key advantages of cash over digital alternatives, despite the rise in mobile payment acceptance.