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What is the cash limit for paying a business in Denmark?

The kontantforbud for businesses

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Short answer

As of November 2026, a business in Denmark may not accept a cash payment of 15,000 kroner or more. The ban also covers several smaller payments that are, or appear to be, linked, so splitting a purchase does not get around it. The rule is part of the Danish anti-money laundering act (hvidvaskloven), section 5. For larger purchases such as a used car or furniture from a shop, you pay by bank transfer or card instead.

Practical info

Why

  1. Large cash payments are a classic way to launder money.
  2. The limit applies to the business that receives the money.
  3. Bank transfers leave a trace that cash does not.

Details

The same act also bans the use of 500-euro notes in Denmark.

Tip

Agree on the payment method before you buy something expensive, so you do not turn up with a bag of notes.

What may differ

The limit has been lowered before and may change again with new Danish or EU rules.

Common misconception

A shop must take any amount of cash because of the duty to accept cash.

What actually happens

The duty to accept cash never overrides the ban on cash payments of 15,000 kroner or more.

People also ask

  • Can you split a large cash payment to stay under the limit?
  • How much cash can you deposit in a Danish bank?
  • Is there a limit on cash between private persons?

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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