The ECB survey of 19 members of the euro area showed that 78.8% of all payments were conducted in cash, 19.1% with payment cards and 2.1% in other methods in 2016.
Cash was used in 75% of all payments in Lithuania, 71% in Latvia and 48% in Estonia.
The ECB survey also indicated the use of bank cards would increase, if users had full freedom of choosing the method of payment.
Across the EU, 32% of people would prefer paying in cash, 43% with cards and 25% by other methods. In Lithuania, 40% would want to pay in cash, 44% with cards and 15% by other methods.
In Latvia, the respective numbers are 37%, 47% and 16%, while in Estonia 19%, 57% and 25%.
