The payment behaviour of the Swedish population

Every second year the Riksbank carries out an interview survey to obtain a picture of payment patterns in Sweden and how they change over time. The latest survey was conducted in the spring of 2022 and the results from Payments patterns in Sweden are presented below.

The payment behaviour of the Swedish population

Swedish households are increasingly using electronic means of payment such as bank cards and Swish, at the same time as the use of cash is declining. Debit cards are still dominant among electronic means of payment. This is shown by a survey that the Riksbank carried out to get a better understanding of the Swedish population's payment habits.

Every second year the Riksbank carries out a survey to obtain a picture of payment patterns in Sweden and how they change over time. In the 2022 survey, a random sample of 2,089 individuals in the age group 18-84 were interviewed. Of these, 500 were interviewed by telephone and 1,589 were interviewed online. The collection period was 14 - 30 March 2022.

Numerical data, Payments patterns in Sweden 2022 (xlsx)

Numerical data, Payments patterns in Sweden 2020 (xlsx)

Payments patterns in Sweden 2018.pdf

Numerical data, Payments patterns in Sweden 2018 (xlsx, 183.6 kb)

Numerical data, Payments patterns in Sweden 2018 rural areas (xlsx, 120.5 kb)

Swish is now used more than cash

The Swedish people's response to the survey question “Which means of payment have you used in the last 30 days?”, per cent. Several responses possible.

Figure: Swish is now used more than cash

Information is updated every second year. Use the slider below the diagram to adjust the time interval. Download the data from the diagram by clicking on the arrow to the right, above the diagram. Source: The Riksbank.

Age plays a part when choosing means of payment

The Swedish people's response to the survey question “Which means of payment have you used in the last 30 days?”, per cent, by age group.

Figure: Age plays a part when choosing means of payment

Information is updated every second year. Download the data from the diagram by clicking on the arrow to the right, above the diagram. Source: The Riksbank.

Card payments dominate for purchases in shops

The Swedish people's response to the survey question “How did you pay for your last purchase in a shop?”, per cent.

Figure: Card payments dominate for purchases in shops

Information is updated every second year. Download the data from the diagram by clicking on the arrow to the right, above the diagram. Source: The Riksbank.

Cash is being used to a lesser extent

Percentage of people paying for their most recent purchase in cash.

Figure: Cash is being used to a lesser extent

Information is updated every second year. Download the data from the diagram by clicking on the arrow to the right, above the diagram. Source: The Riksbank.

Cash is being withdrawn to a lesser extent

The Swedish people's response to the survey question “How often do you withdraw cash from an ATM or cash desk at a bank?”, per cent.

Figure: Cash is being withdrawn to a lesser extent

Information is updated every second year. Download the data from the diagram by clicking on the arrow to the right, above the diagram. Source: The Riksbank.

Fewer people are experiencing problems in paying in cash

The Swedish people's response to the survey question “Have you wanted to pay in cash but experienced that the shop has not accepted it?”, per cent.

Figure: Fewer people are experiencing problems in paying in cash

Information is updated every second year. Download the data from the diagram by clicking on the arrow to the right, above the diagram. Source: The Riksbank.

Older people are most negative towards the decline in cash usage

Percentage of people in each age group who are negative towards the declining use of cash in society.

Figure: Older people are most negative towards the decline in cash usage

Information is updated every second year. Download the data from the diagram by clicking on the arrow to the right, above the diagram. Source: The Riksbank.

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Updated 18/12/2022