How common are instant payments in Denmark?
Share of instant payments, 2025.
Short answer
Instant payments have been available in Denmark since 2014 and work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In 2025 they made up about 7 % of digital payments in physical shops and e-commerce together. In physical shops less than 1 in 20 payments were instant payments, while the share in e-commerce was about 12 %. Most payments in shops are still made with a physical card or a card-based wallet.
Why
- Instant payments run around the clock.
- They are more common online than in shops.
- Cards still dominate shop payments.
Details
Between private people, MobilePay was used for 8 out of 10 payments in 2025.
Tip
If money must arrive the same minute, choose an instant transfer in your online bank.
What may differ
The shares come from the payment habits survey in autumn 2025 and can change by the next survey.
Common misconception
Instant payments are a new thing in Denmark.
What actually happens
They have been available since 2014, 24/7 all year.
People also ask
- How fast does a bank transfer arrive in Denmark?
- How many people use MobilePay in Denmark?
- How much of Danish card spending is online?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Payment rules, limits and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.
Practical infoRelated questions
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What is the Danish Payments Council?
The Danish Payments Council is a forum for cooperation on retail payments in Denmark, set up by Danmarks Nationalbank in 2012.
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Can you pay by card in Denmark if the payment system goes down?
Often yes.
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When did Apple Pay and Google Pay come to Denmark?
Apple Pay was launched in Denmark in 2017, Google Pay in 2018 and Samsung Pay in 2022.
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How much of Danish card spending is online?
In 2025 e-commerce accounted for 30 % of total card turnover in Denmark, up from 22 % in 2019.