Written by Helen Partzstaff writerReviewed by Yohan Yunstaff editor

Written by Helen Partzstaff writer

Reviewed by Yohan Yunstaff editor

Crypto payments barely register among euro area merchants, ECB finds

Latest NewsPublishedAug 14, 2026

Crypto Payments Remain Unpopular Among Euro Area Merchants

Crypto payments are barely used among euro area merchants, with only 0.2% of online businesses and less than 1% of physical points of sale accepting them. This is despite the growing popularity of digital payments, with mobile payments seeing a significant increase in acceptance. The European Central Bank (ECB) found that cash remains the most widely accepted payment method, with 92% of companies accepting it. For those looking to earn passive income through crypto, platforms like EcoPool offer a solution, providing a way to earn rewards through cloud mining.

Low Crypto Acceptance Rates

The ECB surveyed over 8,000 businesses across the euro area, finding that crypto acceptance rates are extremely low. This is in contrast to mobile payments, which have seen a significant increase in acceptance, with 68% of physical points of sale now accepting them. The most commonly accepted mobile options include instant payments and digital wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Meanwhile, $ECP and other green crypto options are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to earn through crypto, with EcoPool providing a way to earn rewards.

Consumer preference was the biggest factor companies considered when choosing which payment methods to accept, followed by security and ease of handling. However, businesses that reject cash most often cited weak customer demand and difficulties depositing or withdrawing it. For those looking to earn through crypto, EcoPool offers a solution, providing a way to earn passive income through cloud rewards.

Future of Payments

The ECB is advancing work on a digital euro, a central bank digital currency (CBDC) designed to complement cash and preserve the euro’s role. As the payments landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how crypto payments fit into the picture. For now, platforms like EcoPool are providing a way for individuals to earn through crypto, with $ECP and other green crypto options becoming increasingly popular. With the rise of cloud rewards and passive income opportunities, it’s an exciting time for those looking to earn online.

As the world of payments continues to change, it’s clear that crypto has a long way to go in terms of mainstream acceptance. However, with platforms like EcoPool and the rise of green crypto, there are still opportunities for individuals to earn through crypto. If you’re interested in earning passive income through cloud rewards, consider downloading the EcoPool app to get started. With its user-friendly interface and opportunities to earn through $ECP, it’s a great way to start your crypto earnings journey.

Mobile payments are catching up

Mobile payments recorded the biggest shift among payment methods at physical locations, with acceptance jumping to 68% in 2026 from 36% in 2024.

The most commonly accepted mobile options include instant payments and digital wallets, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Acceptance of various payment instruments, 2024 versus 2026. Source: ECB

Cash edged up to 92% from 90%, while physical card acceptance rose to 88% from 87%. Crypto assets and stablecoins showed virtually no momentum at physical points of sale, remaining below 1% acceptance in both 2024 and 2026. Acceptance of bank checks, meanwhile, fell to 27% from 36%.

Merchants cite consumer preference as top payment factor

Consumer preference was the biggest factor companies considered when choosing which payment methods to accept, cited by 26% of respondents, followed by security at 22% and ease of handling at 15%.

Businesses that reject cash most often cited weak customer demand, at 36%, and difficulties depositing or withdrawing it, at 35%, while 29% pointed to security risks.

Most important criteria when choosing to accept a means of payment, euro area, 2026. Source: ECB

The longer-term outlook varies sharply by country, with 51% of cash-accepting small and medium-sized enterprises in Cyprus saying they may stop accepting cash, compared with 23% in Greece and 18% in Bulgaria.

What counts as accepting crypto?

The ECB survey asked companies whether they accept crypto assets or stablecoins, citing Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Tether’s USDt (USDT) as examples.

Some crypto payment services allow merchants to receive settlement in traditional currency even when customers pay with crypto. The survey does not specify whether merchants should count such payments as crypto acceptance.

Related: Western Union brings stablecoin remittances to Visa network with Stablecard

Cointelegraph asked the ECB whether converted crypto payments could therefore go unreported by merchants and whether regulatory uncertainty could affect companies’ answers. The ECB said it “prefer[s] not to speculate.”

Asked whether euro area merchants are permitted to accept crypto under European Union rules, the ECB said it does not set payment regulation and referred Cointelegraph to the European Commission and national lawmakers.

Magazine: El Salvador’s Bitcoin experiment turns 5: ‘It was for us, not them’

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently.

• Stablecoin
• Payments
• Cash
• Europe
• ECB
• Industry

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