57 percent of Spanish consumers still rely primarily on cash

According to the Banco de España's 2025 Study on Cash Use Habits, 57 percent of consumers still select cash as their primary payment method at physical points of sale.

Payment choices remain heavily influenced by age: consumers over 54 predominantly use physical money, while those between 35 and 54 favor cards, and younger age groups increasingly rely on mobile options and Bizum.

Projections suggest digital payments will not become dominant across all demographic groups until 2046.

To meet demand, the Banco de España continues daily processing and distribution of banknotes, while the European Central Bank develops the digital euro alongside a new series of physical banknotes.

Physical money offers distinct benefits including tangible spending control, privacy without digital traces, and full autonomy during power or network outages.

Maintaining cash distribution infrastructure remains costly as transaction volumes shift, but complete elimination creates severe vulnerabilities.

Sweden famously attempted to eliminate cash, but reversed policy after outages and social exclusion exposed critical risks.

Authorities now mandate cash acceptance at essential retailers, require banks to process deposits, and recommend adults keep 1,000 kronor at home for emergencies.