This is the lowest figure among all the payment methods considered. In the ECB survey, the relevant category is defined as “cryptoassets and stablecoins” and includes, in particular, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether. In 2026, the regulator distinguished for the first time between the acceptance of payment instruments at physical locations and for online sales, according to investing.com.
The survey was conducted from February 23 to April 10, 2026. It included 8,205 companies from all 21 eurozone countries operating in retail, hospitality, and the arts, entertainment, and leisure sectors. Bulgaria, which joined the eurozone earlier this year, participated in the survey for the first time.
Mobile payments have nearly doubled
Cash remains the most common payment method at physical locations: 92% of companies accept it, compared to 90% in 2024. Bank cards rank second, with their share rising from 87% to 88%.
The most significant increase was in the acceptance of mobile payments—from 36% to 68%. Among companies that support this payment method, 75% accept instant payments, 63% accept digital wallets, and 19% accept QR code payments.
Acceptance of bank checks, by contrast, declined from 36% to 27%.
Cards lead the way in online sales, accepted by 82% of companies. Bank transfers are supported by 74% of online retailers, instant payments by 59%, digital wallets by 45%, and direct debit by 40%. Fifteen percent of companies offer a “buy now, pay later” option.
