Irish businesses claim to see a move to more card transactions—BOIPA survey

Almost 7 in 10 Irish merchants claimed to have seen a slide in cash usage, while running costs and the cost of living crisis continue to dominate as main concerns for business owners across all sectors. 

• 69% of businesses have seen cash usage decrease, with 42% noting a significant decrease in its usage.
• Businesses are split on the country’s general economic outlook with 43% feeling optimistic.
• Business running costs, the cost of living crisis and staffing shortages remain key concerns for businesses.

Cash usage decrease

Results from our annual Customer Sentiment and Business Insights* survey reveal Irish consumers' uptake of digital payments continues unabated, with 69% of businesses noting a decrease in cash usage over 12 months. Over 4 in 10 remarked they had seen a significant decrease in cash transactions.

County standouts

At regional level, Sligo and Leitrim (82%) claimed to have seen cash usage decrease above the national average. Clare are just behind them with 79% noting a decrease in cash transactions. At the other end, Carlow (21%), Cavan (19%) and Limerick (14%) saw the largest increase in cash usage.