Cashless Self-Checkout Terminals Widespread Across Euro Area

The European Central Bank (ECB) conducted a survey of companies in the euro area and found that nearly half of those using self-checkout terminals do not accept cash at these automated payment points.

Of the 13% of companies analyzed by the ECB, only just over half allow cash usage at least at some of their automated terminals. This means that for the remaining 48%, cash is not accepted at all, even if customers can still pay with cards or mobile payments at a traditional checkout.

The ECB warns that payment automation can effectively reduce the ability to pay cash, even in stores that continue to declare they accept banknotes and coins. The survey found that while 92% of companies currently accepting cash intend to continue doing so in the next five years, many are investing in digital methods and infrastructure.