Cash remains most widely accepted payment method in euro area

According to a recent survey conducted by the European Central Bank, cash remains the most widely accepted payment method in the euro area as of 2026. In physical retail locations, restaurants, hotels, and sectors related to arts, entertainment, and recreation, 92% of companies reported accepting cash in 2026, up from 90% in 2024.

This rebound in cash acceptance follows a decline during and after the pandemic. Card payments remained stable at 88%, while mobile payments saw a significant increase, rising from 36% to 68% of companies between 2024 and 2026. Additionally, 25% of companies in the euro area have taken steps to promote digital payments, such as investing in tills that accept cashless payments or reducing the number of cash-accepting tills.

Twenty-three percent of companies have introduced self-checkout terminals. When deciding which payment methods to accept, companies prioritize factors like consumer preference, security, and ease of handling, with cash continuing to offer advantages like privacy and reliability. The survey included responses from 8,205 companies across the 21 countries in the euro area, with interviews conducted between February and April 2026.

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