13 August 2026

• Overall, 92% of companies with physical points of sale accept cash
• Cash acceptance rebounds after decline observed during and after pandemic
• Cash widely valued for privacy and reliability, while acceptance of mobile payments rises sharply

According to the latest survey on the use of cash by companies in the euro area published today by the European Central Bank, cash acceptance has rebounded slightly.

In 2026, 92% of companies selling goods and services in physical locations in the retail trade, restaurants and cafés, hotels, and arts, entertainment and recreation sectors reported that they accept cash. This compares with 90% in 2024, suggesting that cash acceptance has rebounded after the decline observed during and after the pandemic.

Overall, cash is the most widely accepted payment method in the euro area. Acceptance of card payments remained broadly stable at 88% between 2024 and 2026, while acceptance of mobile payments rose sharply from 36% to 68% of companies…