Eurozone mobile payment acceptance rises as digital euro preparations begin

The European Central Bank (ECB) reports a significant rise in mobile payment acceptance across the eurozone. According to a study conducted between February and April 2026 involving over 8,200 firms, the share of merchants accepting mobile payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, increased from 36 percent to 68 percent since 2024.

Despite the growth in digital methods, cash remains the most widely accepted payment instrument, with acceptance rising from 90 percent to 92 percent. Card payments remained stable at an 88 percent acceptance rate.

Parallel to these trends, the European Parliament is preparing to negotiate regulations for the introduction of a digital euro. The ECB plans to launch a pilot program for the digital currency in the second half of 2027. To ensure the digital euro functions primarily as a means of payment rather than a store of value, plans include implementing limits on the amount of digital currency individuals can hold in their e-wallets. The initiative aims to reduce the eurozone's dependence on non-EU digital payment providers.