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How often do Danes pay with cash in shops?

Cash share of shop payments, 2025.

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Short answer

In 2025 cash was used for 9 % of payments in physical shops in Denmark, down from 11 % in 2023 and 23 % in 2017. Digital payments made up 91 % of the number and 93 % of the value of payments in physical stores. The figures come from a payment diary survey held every two years since 2017, most recently in autumn 2025 with 3,013 people aged over 15. Cash is used less, but it is not expected to disappear soon.

Practical info

Why

  1. Cash is now under 1 in 10 shop payments.
  2. Cards and mobile phones have taken over most payments.
  3. More people still keep some cash as a backup.

Details

In 2026, 41 % of people held more than 1,000 kroner in cash, up from 33 % in 2023, and 7 in 10 of those who hold cash see it as a backup.

Tip

Carry a small amount of cash for markets, small stalls or in case your card or phone fails.

What may differ

The next payment habits survey may show a different share, and cash use varies with age and type of shop.

Common misconception

Denmark is already a cashless country.

What actually happens

Cash is still used for 9 % of shop payments in 2025, and more than 50 billion kroner is in circulation.

People also ask

  • What share of shop payments in Denmark are made by mobile phone?
  • How much cash is in circulation in Denmark?
  • How many people use MobilePay?

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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