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Can shops in Denmark refuse cash at night or when you buy online?

Night hours, risk areas and online sales

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Short answer

Yes. As of November 2026, the duty to accept cash only applies from 06.00 to 22.00, so a staffed shop may refuse cash at night. In postcodes with a higher risk of robbery, shops may stop taking cash already at 20.00, but they must put up a sign saying so. Online shops and other distance sales never have to accept cash, and the same goes for unstaffed self-service points.

Practical info

Why

  1. Less cash in the till at night lowers the risk of robbery.
  2. The Minister for Business designates the risk areas by postcode.
  3. Paying cash at a distance is not practical, so distance sales are exempt.

Details

Since 1 July 2022 shops in risk areas no longer have to notify Finanstilsynet in advance; a sign in the shop is enough.

Tip

If you shop late in the evening, have a card or MobilePay ready as well as cash.

What may differ

The list of risk postcodes is published on em.dk and can be updated.

Common misconception

A 24-hour kiosk must take cash at any time of day.

What actually happens

Between 22.00 and 06.00 no shop is obliged to accept cash.

People also ask

  • Do shops in Denmark have to accept cash?
  • Can festivals in Denmark refuse cash?
  • Can you pay cash on buses in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

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