ECB Survey Reveals Crypto Payments Lag Behind Cash and Mobile Payments

A new survey by the European Central Bank (ECB) reveals that crypto payments remain a marginal option for euro area businesses, despite other forms of digital payments gaining ground. The ECB surveyed 8,205 companies across 21 euro area countries and found that just 0.2% of companies selling goods and services online accept crypto assets.

Cash remains the most widely accepted payment method, with 92% of companies with physical points of sale accepting it. Mobile payments recorded a significant increase in acceptance, jumping to 68% in 2026 from 36% in 2024.

The ECB's findings come as they advance work on a digital euro, a central bank digital currency designed to complement cash and preserve the euro's role. The survey suggests that consumer preference is the top factor companies consider when choosing which payment methods to accept, followed by security and ease of handling.