The Digital Payments Barometer 2025, an Ipsos survey conducted by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel on behalf of partners Febelfin, Bancontact Payconiq Company, Mastercard, Visa and Worldline, shows an increasing popularity of digital payment solutions, with a rise in mobile payments, particularly via QR codes. Contactless card payments, which are now widely used, have become an integral part of consumers' daily lives.

The preference for electronic payments remains high: 84% of Belgians prefer digital payments over cash payments. In shops, electronic payments – particularly card payments – have become the norm and cash payments are continuously declining.  

We are consequently observing a general decline in the use of cash, mainly due to a significant decrease in its use among adults over 55.  

Contactless card payments have become an integral part of everyday life in Belgium.  60% of Belgians say they have made a contactless payment in the past 7 days. 

This success is due to the fact that contactless payment is perceived as a fast and secure payment method. More than three-quarters of Belgians (77%) say they feel comfortable with this payment method today – a comfort level that remains high over the years (77% in 2024, 74% in 2023, 73% in 2022). 

In addition, contactless card payments are increasingly becoming the preferred payment method for Belgians, regardless of their age, except for those over 75, who prefer to insert their bank card into the payment terminal. 

Cryptocurrencies remain well known to the general public, even though their usage remains limited: 16% of Belgians currently own cryptocurrencies. This figure is stable compared to previous years. However, behind this stable figure lie significant generational differences. 

Cryptocurrency ownership is highest among young people aged 16-24 (27%) and 25-34 (35%) and gradually decreases with age.  

Investment remains the main motivation cited by users (42%), followed by the desire to use them as a means of payment (38%) or interest in the technology (38%).

Online purchases remain very popular: almost 9 out of 10 Belgians (87%) say they have already bought something online. 

Compared to previous years, more and more Belgians own a banking app or payment apps that allow them to scan a QR code to pay for their purchases. 

On the occasion of Digital Payment Day, which takes place on 1 July, we are putting digital payments in the spotlight in collaboration with Brussels-based influencer Sami2bx. To draw attention to this theme in an original way, he will pull a prank by paying with a crazy object, demonstrating that digital payment solutions are simple and modern.  

Several years ago, partners Febelfin, Bancontact Payconiq Company, Mastercard, Visa, and Worldline launched this initiative to encourage consumers to favour digital payments. In 2022, this date also coincided with the entry into force of the law requiring all businesses and liberal professions in Belgium to accept at least one electronic payment method in addition to cash payments. Thanks to this law, consumers can pay with an electronic payment method in all shops. 

The figures for 2025 confirm a better awareness of this legislation: almost 7 out of 10 Belgians have already heard of it. We also notice that situations in which electronic payments are refused are less common: in 2025, this concerned 57% of Belgians, compared to 67% in 2022. 

It is striking that in cases where electronic payment is not possible a significant proportion of consumers - 15% in total - would cancel the purchase. 

The current trend is in accordance with the growing demand for electronic payment solutions. Accepting electronic payments is becoming the norm, driven by consumers who increasingly prefer smoother and more accessible payment options.