Why people still pay in cash

In recent years, the world of payments has undergone a profound transformation across Europe. Contactless cards, apps, digital wallets, and payment systems integrated into mobile devices have changed consumer habits, making transactions faster and more convenient. However, despite this technological evolution, cash continues to be a cornerstone of the European economy, especially in everyday transactions and traditional sectors.

According to the most recent data from the European Central Bank, over 50% of transactions in physical stores still take place with banknotes and coins.

This demonstrates how cash, even when supported by modern systems, remains an essential part of the continent’s economic life.

One of the areas where cash payments remain dominant in Europe is the food and beverage industry. In cafés, bakeries, coffee shops, and snack bars, most customers still prefer to pay with cash, especially for low-value purchases such as coffees, pastries, or quick snacks. Paying with coins and banknotes is faster and more convenient, eliminating the need for card transactions or mobile payments.

This habit is not limited to small businesses. Even family-run restaurants and traditional eateries often receive a large share of payments in cash. For many business owners, cash payments are advantageous because they reduce transaction fees and simplify daily operations.

Traditional retail is another sector where cash remains king. At bakeries, butcher shops, greengrocers, newsstands, and small neighborhood stores, most transactions are still carried out with banknotes and coins. These are typically small purchases where customers prefer the immediacy of cash.

The same trend applies to street markets and mobile vendors. In many cases, sellers either do not accept card payments or choose not to use card terminals in order to avoid extra costs. Cash therefore remains the most accessible, practical, and straightforward method of payment for both buyers and sellers.

Cash continues to be widely used in the transportation and mobility sector. Buying tickets for buses, trams, and metro services, paying for taxi rides, and settling parking fees are all transactions that are frequently made with cash, particularly by tourists and occasional users.

Vending machines, which remain widespread across Europe, are also predominantly cash-operated. The simplicity and speed of cash transactions in these situations make it a preferred choice, even as digital options become more available.

Tourism is another sector where cash usage in Europe remains stable. Many international visitors prefer to pay with banknotes and coins for small purchases, souvenirs, tips, or local services. In historic city centers, artisan markets, and popular tourist destinations, cash is often the most practical choice, especially when shopping from vendors who do not accept electronic payments.

Furthermore, not all travelers have cards compatible with European payment systems, and some prefer to avoid foreign transaction fees. This makes cash the natural and convenient payment option for many tourists.

Personal service providers are also among those who rely heavily on cash payments. Hairdressers, beauty salons, electricians, plumbers, and independent tradespeople frequently receive payments in cash directly after the service is completed. These are usually small amounts, and cash is the most efficient and convenient option for both customers and service providers.

The simplicity of cash payments and the absence of additional fees associated with electronic transactions make this payment method particularly popular in the personal services sector.

The widespread use of cash across these sectors means that many businesses must handle significant volumes of coins and banknotes on a daily basis. Doing so manually can be time-consuming, prone to errors, and potentially insecure.

For this reason, many companies choose to invest in professional tools such as banknote counters and coin counters, which help speed up cash handling, minimize human errors, detect counterfeit banknotes, and improve the efficiency of daily cash flow management. Automating these processes not only saves time but also enhances accuracy and security.

Despite the ongoing growth of digital payment solutions, cash remains deeply embedded in European consumer habits. From cafés and local shops to transportation, tourism, and personal care services, millions of transactions are still carried out with banknotes and coins every single day.

For businesses operating in these sectors, the ability to count, sort, and manage cash quickly and accurately is essential. Investing in professional solutions such as banknote counters and coin counters is not just a matter of convenience — it’s a strategic decision that improves daily operations, reduces human error, detects counterfeit currency, and ensures faster, safer cash handling.

By integrating these devices into your workflow, you can transform a time-consuming and error-prone task into an efficient, automated process — allowing you to focus more on customers and less on counting cash.

Discover our range of professional bill counters and coin counters designed to help your business handle cash quickly, securely, and efficiently. [Explore our products here]