Is cash still used in the Baltic States?

Yes, but less every year. Cash made up 21% of payments in Latvia in February 2026 and 39% of point-of-sale transactions in Estonia in 2024. Estonia and Lithuania round cash totals to 5 cents, while card payments stay exact.

Where cash is still used

Small purchases, markets, rural areas and older consumers. Cash also serves as a backup when card systems fail.

Rounding rules

To reduce the use of 1 and 2 cent coins, Estonia and Lithuania round the total of cash payments to the nearest 5 cents. Card and electronic payments are charged the exact amount.

Why cash is declining

High card ownership, widespread contactless acceptance, mobile wallets and instant bank transfers make electronic payments convenient. The Baltic states are among the more digital economies in Europe.

Access to cash

Like other euro area countries, the Baltic states discuss how to keep access to cash for people who need it.

What it means for payment operators

For your merchants with stores in the Baltics, card and wallet acceptance covers most customers, but cash remains part of the mix. In-store payments with consolidated reporting help them see all channels together.