Cash Acceptance in the Eurosystem: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

The European Central Bank (ECB) has published a paper on the use of cash by companies in the 21 Eurosystem countries based on its 2026 survey, the third in a series that started in 2021, which shows more companies accepting cash and no plans to change that.

The good

92% of companies that sell their goods and services in physical locations accepted cash, up from 90% in 2024. 93% of companies in the retail trade, restaurants and hotels accepted cash. Of companies that accept cash, 92% reported that they plan to keep doing so in the next five years.

Among euro area countries, the cash acceptance rate is highest in Greece and Italy (both 99%).

The bad

In the arts, entertainment and recreation sector only 84% accept cash.