Eurozone Merchants Slowly Embracing Digital Payments, But Crypto Remains a Niche Option
A recent European Central Bank survey of 8,205 companies across 21 eurozone countries reveals that cryptocurrency adoption as a payment method among merchants is still minimal. The survey found that only 0.2% of online businesses in the eurozone accept digital assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, while in-store acceptance remains below 1%. This gap between crypto enthusiasm and practical commercial use is a persistent issue.
The ECB's data shows that cash and physical cards dominate in-store transactions, with acceptance rates of 92% and 88%, respectively. Mobile payment acceptance has surged, however, jumping from 36% in 2024 to 68% in 2026. This trend reflects a broader shift toward digital and contactless payments driven by consumer convenience and improved infrastructure.
The survey suggests that high volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and low consumer demand are major barriers to crypto adoption. The costs of integrating crypto payment systems also outweigh the benefits for most businesses. Stablecoins, designed to minimize price volatility, have failed to gain traction with acceptance under 1%.