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ECB Survey Finds Cash Acceptance Rebounding in Euro Area

A European Central Bank survey of 8,205 firms in 21 countries found cash acceptance rebounding after its pandemic decline.

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  • Cash acceptance among companies with physical points of sale rose to 92% in 2026 from 90% in 2024.
  • Card payment acceptance held steady at 88% in both 2024 and 2026.
  • Mobile payment acceptance nearly doubled to 68% in 2026 from 36% in 2024.
  • The survey covered 8,205 companies across 21 euro area countries between February and April 2026.
  • A quarter of companies in the euro area said they actively promote digital payments.
  • 13% of companies have adopted self-checkout terminals.

ECB Survey Details Cash Acceptance Trends

The European Central Bank published a survey on cash acceptance among companies in the euro area, covering the period from February to April 2026. The survey, conducted by the European Central Bank, gathered responses from 8,205 companies across 21 countries. According to the findings, cash acceptance in the euro area rebounded after a decline observed during and after the pandemic.

Macro photograph of euro banknotes and coins with shallow focus, showing the texture and materiality of physical currency against a soft, neutral background.
ECB Survey Finds Cash Acceptance Rebounding in Euro Area

Cash Remains Widely Accepted at Points of Sale

Among companies with physical points of sale in the euro area, the cash acceptance rate rose to 92% in 2026 from 90% in 2024. Cash remains the most accepted payment method in the euro area, according to the survey. Respondents cited privacy and reliability as the main perceived advantages of cash.

Card and Mobile Payment Acceptance

Card payment acceptance held steady at 88% in both 2024 and 2026. Mobile payment acceptance increased sharply, rising to 68% in 2026 from 36% in 2024.

Digital Payment Promotion and Adoption

A quarter of companies in the euro area said they actively promote digital payments. Some 13% of companies have adopted self-checkout terminals. Companies that promote digital payments said they do so by investing in tills that accept cashless payments or by reducing the number of tills that accept cash.

Factors Behind Payment Method Choices

Companies said their choice of payment methods is shaped by consumer preference, security and ease of handling.

  • Consumer preference
  • Security
  • Ease of handling