Euro Area Companies Still Mostly Reaching for Cash

The European Central Bank released its 2026 Study on cash use by companies in the euro area, examining how businesses across the region accept and use cash compared to digital payment methods.

The study found that despite the growth of digital payments, cash remains a widely accepted method for companies selling goods or services at physical locations. In fact, 92% of companies said they accept cash, up from 90% in 2024. Physical cards were accepted by 88%, and mobile payment acceptance rose sharply to 68%

However, there is one area where digital payments far outstrip cash: crypto-assets. Only a tiny 0.2% of companies accept these assets.

The study also highlights regional differences in cash acceptance rates, with Greece and Italy leading the way at 99%, while Belgium and Cyprus lagged behind at 81% and 76%