Today the European Central Bank (ECB) published the results of the latest study on the payment attitudes of consumers in the euro area (SPACE).
The use of digital payments has continued to expand, albeit at a slower pace than previously, while the number of cash payments remained significant in 2024, especially for small value and person-to-person transactions. Cash is still the most frequently used payment method in physical stores, although its use has continued to decline. The use of digital payment instruments is still increasing in terms of value, with cards still the dominant form, followed by cash; the use of mobile phone apps is on the rise. The majority of consumers believe that continuing to have cash as a payment option is important.
