Swiss Mobile Payment App Usage Stalls as Cash Stays Strong

Mobile payment app adoption in Switzerland has hit a plateau, according to a recent survey by the Swiss National Bank. Despite the global trend toward digitalization, physical currency remains a cornerstone of the local economy as consumers prioritize privacy and spending control. The study revealed that mobile payment platforms, including local services like Twint and international options like Apple Inc., accounted for 17% of transactions in 2025. This represents a slight decline from the 18% recorded in 2024. In contrast, debit cards maintained their lead as the preferred method, used in 37% of purchases, while cash held steady at 30% of in-person transactions, mirroring its 2024 performance. Public support for physical money remains overwhelmingly high. Only 2% of respondents expressed a desire to abolish cash, citing concerns over impracticality or its use in illegal activities. The vast majority of the population continues to favor the anonymity provided by physical currency. Marcel Stadelmann, a payments researcher at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, noted that privacy concerns have become more prominent in recent years. He suggested that some consumers are increasingly wary of the digital footprint left by electronic transactions. > Some people do not like leaving a trace in the digital world when they pay with cards or mobile apps. Stadelmann further explained that the market for payment apps in the region may have reached saturation, with most potential users already having adopted the technology. He argued that for mobile payments to see renewed growth, they must provide more tangible benefits over traditional methods. > Payment apps growth appears to have stalled because most people in Switzerland already have them and they need an extra trigger to use them over debit cards or cash. > With instant payments, it needs to be something that makes payments quicker, easier, more convenient, or gives people more control over their spending by giving immediate feedback if theyve overspent. To ensure the longevity of physical currency, the Swiss National Bank recently announced the selection of designers for a new series of banknotes. These new notes are scheduled to enter circulation in the 2030s, signaling a long-term commitment to maintaining a multi-channel payment landscape. > Physical cash will remain important in Switzerland for some time.