Crypto payments barely register among euro area merchants, ECB finds
Crypto acceptance was just 0.2% online and remained below 1% at physical points of sale, while mobile payments gained ground.
The European Central Bank (ECB) report reveals that crypto payments are barely used among euro area merchants, with acceptance rates remaining minimal. Only 0.2% of online businesses accept crypto assets, while physical point-of-sale acceptance stays below 1%. Cash remains the dominant payment method, accepted by 92% of companies with physical locations.
Mobile payments, such as instant payments and digital wallets (e.g., Apple Pay and Google Pay), saw the most significant growth, reaching 68% in 2026 from 36% in 2024. Acceptance of checks dropped to 27% from 36%. Consumer preference, security, and ease of handling are the primary factors companies consider when deciding on payment methods.
Cash-accepting small and medium-sized enterprises in some countries may stop accepting cash in the future, with Cyprus being the most likely (51%), followed by Greece (23%) and Bulgaria (18%). The ECB survey did not specify if crypto payments should be counted as crypto acceptance, leaving the matter unclear regarding potential regulatory challenges and merchants' reporting obligations.
The ECB clarified it does not regulate payments and directed inquiries to the European Commission and national lawmakers.
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