Skip to content To submenu navigation
Payments Report 2025

Trends on the payments market

Download PDF
Trends on the payments market

Small businesses' views on payments

According to the Riksbank’s survey, card payments are the most commonly accepted payment method among small businesses. The companies included in the survey have a large share of their sales to private individuals. Both Swish and cash are accepted by seven out of ten small companies. Furthermore, the survey shows that many of the smaller companies prefer card payments, when the payment should be fast and smooth and to minimise the administrative work for the companies. At the same time, getting the payment directly into the account is important for every second small company.

A community with a shop, hairdresser and café. There are people next to the houses. An adult and a child with a shopping trolley and a person with a shopping bag.

Published: 10 March 2025

FACT BOX – Survey on small businesses' views on payments

There is no comprehensive picture of the payment methods companies accept from their customers and their attitudes towards payments. The aim of the Riksbank's survey is to increase knowledge of important payees in the payments system, namely small businesses in the retail trade and restaurants and hairdressers. The Riksbank therefore commissioned the research company Origo to conduct a survey on payments in autumn 2024. The survey asked questions around payment methods accepted, cash acceptance, contingency preparedness aspects and costs of payments.

The survey was sent to small businesses with 0-49 employees and a turnover of at least SEK 500 000 per year. The survey targeted eight sectors in retail and service industries as well as hairdressers and restaurants. One of the retail sectors analysed was the retail sale of essential goods (food, fuel and medicines). The survey covered payments at physical points of sale and not e-commerce. 1,553 companies responded to the survey, which was conducted between 9 September and 1 November 2024. See also "Small businesses' views on payments" for further information.