The ECB has recorded stagnation in crypto payments: only 0.2% of online retailers in the eurozone accept digital assets.
My latest observations of Europe's payment infrastructure confirm a trend alarming for the industry: digital currencies have failed to win the trust of businesses. According to a fresh macroeconomic analysis by the European Central Bank, covering more than 8,200 enterprises from 21 eurozone countries, only 0.2% of online companies are willing to accept cryptocurrencies or stablecoins as payment.
The study, conducted between February 23 and April 10, 2026, demonstrates a stark contrast between the expectations of enthusiasts and the real preferences of entrepreneurs. Notably, the questionnaire featured only three assets—Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT—yet even such a limited set failed to spark interest among respondents.
Traditional instruments dominate
Against this backdrop, classic payment solutions feel more than confident. Payment cards are available to 82% of online merchants, and bank transfers to 74%. Meanwhile, cash is still accepted by 92% of companies (up from 90% in 2024), and cards by 88%.
Mobile payments show the most impressive dynamics: their penetration has doubled in two years—from 36% to 68%. This primarily refers to instant transfers and digital wallets, which are rapidly displacing more cumbersome tools.
Business priorities
Companies cited customer preferences (26%), security (22%), and ease of processing (15%) as the key criteria for choosing a payment instrument. Notably, in a direct comparison of cash and digital methods, there was not a single parameter where electronic options appeared clearly preferable. In terms of privacy and reliability, businesses rank cash higher.
An interesting detail: one in four companies actively encourages cashless payments, yet 92% of businesses working with cash plan to maintain this practice over the next five years. The exceptions are Cyprus (51% of SMEs are ready to abandon cash), Greece (23%), and Bulgaria (18%).
The digital euro context
These data are extremely important amid the ECB's preparations for the launch of the digital euro, scheduled for 2029. Given that the European Parliament committee has already supported the relevant bill, and Deutsche Bank, Revolut, and Stripe have been selected to test the CBDC, the regulator faces serious work in convincing businesses of the advantages of the new form of money.
My analysis: The stagnation of crypto payments in the eurozone is not a temporary phenomenon but a structural trend. As long as digital assets are perceived as a speculative instrument rather than a means of settlement, their share in commerce will remain negligible. Changing this situation will require not only regulation but also a paradigm shift in perception among end consumers, who today clearly favor the speed and familiarity of mobile solutions.