Dutch cash acceptance stable, PIN-only outlets decline
De Nederlandsche Bank's annual survey reveals stable cash acceptance across the Netherlands in 2025. The proportion of retailers accepting only card payments slightly declined to 4 percent.
The cash footprint across Dutch retail
De Nederlandsche Bank's (DNB) annual survey, conducted by Locatus in 2025, assessed payment options at over 5,000 retailers and 1,000 market stalls across the Netherlands.
The study documented payment prompts, including 'PIN only' signs.
Findings show 21 percent of points-of-sale displayed payment information, a decrease from 25 percent in 2024.
Outlets exclusively accepting card payments, indicated by 'PIN only' stickers, fell slightly to 4 percent in 2025, down from 5 percent.
Cash acceptance varied by sector, increasing at pharmacies and cinemas but decreasing at car parks.
'PIN only' restrictions are more prevalent in larger cities, affecting 9 percent of retail outlets in cities with over 175,000 inhabitants, compared to 1 percent in towns under 5,000 residents.
Notably, market stallholders often expressed a preference for cash, with over a quarter of those displaying signs indicating this, a significant rise from 13 percent in the 2024 survey.
Beyond convenience: Cash as a safeguard
Retailers accept cash primarily because it is legal tender and due to customer preference, with 59 percent citing both reasons.
Of those accepting cash, 70 percent are satisfied, while 5 percent are dissatisfied, citing depositing needs, costs, and security risks.
Retailers not accepting cash primarily cite security, costs, and customer preference for card payments.
Cash also serves as a crucial fallback during electronic payment disruptions; 78 percent of retailers ask for cash when card payments fail, and 47 percent keep extra change.
This aligns with National Forum on the Payment System (NFPS) advice, stressing preparation for temporary payment system disruptions.
A fragile stability
The stable acceptance of cash, coupled with a slight decline in 'PIN only' locations, is a positive signal for financial inclusion and payment system resilience.
DNB's commitment to monitoring these trends and the proposed legal obligation for cash acceptance are crucial steps to safeguard this option.
However, persistent 'PIN only' prevalence in urban areas and reduced payment signage suggest vigilance is needed to prevent a gradual erosion of cash access.