Nearly two thirds of euro area consumers demand cash as a payment option Cash

The People's Choice in Europe Majority insists on keeping cash

A 2024 ECB SPACE survey (released 2025) found that nearly two-thirds of euro area consumers view having cash available as very or fairly important — a share that has risen — while 22% explicitly prefer it for in-store payments. This strong, growing support highlights cash's role as the most democratic payment: accessible to everyone regardless of age, income, tech skills, or bank account status. It protects privacy, enables instant settlement, and ensures no one is excluded in an increasingly digital world. From young adults holding cash reserves to older citizens relying on its simplicity, cash keeps Europe's economies human-centered, inclusive, and resilient.