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Is cash still accepted in Denmark?

Yes, but Denmark is mostly card-based.

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Short answer

Cash is accepted in most places in Denmark, but the country is highly digital and many people pay by card or phone. As of 2026, physical shops that accept cards or payment apps must also accept cash between 6.00 and 22.00, and after 22.00 they may refuse it. In areas with a high risk of robbery the obligation only applies from 6.00 to 20.00, so some kiosks and supermarkets stop taking cash at 20.00. Many cafés and restaurants work mainly with cards and mobile payments such as MobilePay or Apple Pay.

Practical info

Why

  1. The cash rule protects people without cards.
  2. Late in the evening a shop may refuse cash.
  3. Most everyday payments in Denmark are digital.

Details

Danish banknotes come in 50, 100, 200 and 500 kroner, and coins in 50 øre and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 kroner.

Tip

Carry a card that works without problems abroad and a small amount of kroner as backup.

What may differ

The areas with the shorter cash hours are decided by the Minister for Business and can change.

Common misconception

Some visitors think cash has disappeared completely in Denmark.

What actually happens

Cash is still legal tender, and physical shops that take cards must accept it during the day.

People also ask

  • Can you pay with euros in Denmark?
  • Which Danish banknotes are valid in 2026?
  • Can tourists use MobilePay 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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