For everyone in society to be able to pay, different payment options need to be available. This is in line with the financial market policy objectives adopted by the Riksdag, which require financial companies to satisfy the needs of households and firms for financial services. For people who, for various reasons, cannot or do not want to use digital services, cash is an important payment option, as is postal giro for bill payments.

For many people, paying by card is a quick and convenient way to pay, especially since the introduction of the ability to tap your card or mobile phone. Although card payments are digital, they are much easier to use for the digitally inexperienced than payments via apps, for example. App payments are increasingly used for public transport and parking, for example. As the Riksbank's survey has shown, card payments are the most common method of payment accepted by small shops, hairdressers and restaurants. The Riksbank considers that cards should be available as a payment alternative for important services, which would make it easier for more people to pay and participate in society.

The Act on the accessibility of certain products and services can contribute to better designed services so that more people can use them. The Riksbank continues to monitor the issue, in dialogue with market participants and other stakeholders. However, the Riksbank considers that more measures can be taken to further improve the availability of payment services. This involves, for example, making greater use of technical solutions such as biometrics for identification and authentication – naturally with respect for the integrity of the consumer.

For people who help others to make payments – such as relatives and guardians – the possibility to make digital payments should be improved. This is particularly the case for traceable payment methods, which are important to prevent fraud. One example is cards linked to the principal person’s transaction account, where it is possible to record that a payment has been made by the authorised representative. Another option could be cards with a payment function that can be used in specific shops, and which usually have no credit function. Other more traditional payment methods are also important for many representatives as well as family members who help with payments. An example of such a traditional payment method is postal giro. To make it easier for these people, there needs to be access to different payment methods that are secure and that do not violate terms and conditions or other regulations.