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    How common is contactless payment in Finland?

    How people in Finland pay in shops today.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    The Bank of Finland reported that cards issued in Finland were used for payments worth 17.8 billion euros in January to March 2026, 5.6% more than a year earlier. In grocery shops, restaurants and hotels nearly 70% of the value was paid contactless. Chip and magnetic stripe payments made up only a little over a quarter of all card payment value.

    Practical: communication, money, services

    Why

    1. The Bank of Finland gives 17.8 billion euros of card payments for January to March 2026.
    2. Almost 70% of payment value in grocery shops, restaurants and hotels was contactless.
    3. Chip and stripe payments fell to a little over a quarter of value.

    Details

    A single contactless payment is limited to 50 euros, so larger purchases still need the card in the reader and the PIN.

    Tip

    Visitors with contactless cards or phone wallets can pay almost everywhere in shops and cafes.

    What may differ

    Shares differ by sector. Car and home repair payments still use chip and PIN more often.

    Common misconception

    Most people in Finland still pay with cash in shops.

    What actually happens

    Card payments dominate, and most of them in shops are contactless.

    People also ask

    • What is the contactless payment limit in Finland?
    • How many people in Finland use cash regularly?
    • Can you pay by card everywhere in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Payment rules and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.

    Practical: communication, money, services
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