Throughout Europe, the vast majority of businesses accept cash from customers, despite having announced plans to eventually abandon them and only accept cards.
Among them, Greece is the most cash-accepting country, with 99% of businesses accepting cash, according to a European Central Bank survey.
In fact, that percentage has increased since the previous survey, in 2024. Across the eurozone, the average of cash acceptance is 92%, with the lowest numbers in Cyprus (76%) and Belgium (81%).
Even in catering – restaurants, bars and cafes – 93% of businesses still take cash.
Still, 23% of Greek businesses declared that they may stop dealing in cash over the next five years; this is the second highest percentage in the eurozone, behind Cyprus, where 51% declared they might stopped accepting cash; ECB analysts believe it is because businesses don’t want to have to face bank fees for deposits and withdrawals.
