Euro Area Merchants Shun Crypto Payments

A new European Central Bank (ECB) report reveals that crypto payments remain a marginal option among euro area businesses, even as other forms of digital payments gain ground. According to the survey, just 0.2% of companies selling goods and services online accept crypto assets.

The ECB surveyed 8,205 businesses across the 21 euro area countries, covering various sectors including retail, restaurants, hotels, and arts. The survey found that cash remains the most widely accepted payment method, with 92% of companies with physical points of sale accepting it.

Mobile payments are catching up, however, with acceptance jumping to 68% in 2026 from 36% in 2024. Instant payments and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay were among the most commonly accepted mobile options.