A limit of SEK 10,000 should be introduced for cash purchases in the retail sector

The Riksbank recommends that the Government and Riksdag introduce a maximum limit for cash purchases in the retail sector of SEK 10,000, which is sufficient for most everyday purchases.

The Riksbank’s assessment is that a limit on the amount of cash purchases in the retail sector would make it more difficult to use cash for criminal purposes, such as money laundering and tax evasion, and to convert the proceeds of crime into goods. At the same time, the amount is an appropriate level for people who want and need to use cash to continue to do so. In addition, it is good for the resilience of society that there are several payment methods to use in case of crisis or war. The amount limit could be introduced in conjunction with the introduction of the new EU anti-money laundering regulation in 2027, which allows for national limits.

Households should have multiple payment methods so that they can pay in the event of disruptions, for example SEK 1,000 in cash per adult

The Riksbank recommends that the public have access to several different payment methods so that they can continue to pay if one of them does not work. As far as pos-sible, households should have cards from different card networks, access to a mobile phone payment service (such as Swish), have physical cards and PINs available, and have cash at home in mixed denominations. As a benchmark, households should have around SEK 1,000 in cash per adult, although even a lower amount can strengthen preparedness.

The possibility to pay offline should be extended

On 1 July 2026, the agreement between the Riksbank and a number of market partici-pants on offline card payments will enter into force. It is important that all actors in-volved in the agreement endeavour to fulfil their commitments by then.

Swish payments are another payment method that should be available offline in the future. The Riksbank has therefore initiated work together with Swish and its owner banks to investigate an offline solution for the payment service. The Riksbank consid-ers this to be a prioritised contingency measure that contributes to strengthening our national sovereignty in the area of payments.