According to the ECB survey, 92% of companies in the euro area accept cash in 2026, showing a rebound after pandemic declines. Acceptance of mobile payments increased sharply, while card payments remained stable.
According to the latest survey on cash use by companies in the euro area published by the European Central Bank, cash acceptance has slightly rebounded.
In 2026, 92% of companies selling goods and services in physical locations across sectors such as retail, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment reported accepting cash. This is an increase from 90% in 2024, indicating recovery after a decline during and after the pandemic.
Cash remains the most widely accepted payment method in the euro area. Acceptance of card payments remained stable at 88% between 2024 and 2026, while acceptance of mobile payments increased sharply from 36% to 68% of companies over the same period.
Additionally, 25% of companies reported taking steps to promote digital payments, including investing in cashless payment tills or reducing cash acceptance points. Thirteen percent have introduced self-checkout terminals.
Companies primarily consider consumer preference, security, and ease of handling when choosing payment methods. They value cash for its privacy and reliability compared to digital options.
The survey involved 8,205 companies across all 21 euro area countries, with interviews conducted between February and April 2026.
