Survey of Swiss Companies on Payment Methods

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) conducted a survey of 2,000 companies in the summer of 2021, representative of every industrial sector and region of Switzerland.

The aim of the survey was to understand Swiss companies, acceptance and use of payment methods, particularly cash, the use of cash as a store of value and the management of cash logistics and changes to the cash infrastructure. The survey was used in conjunction with the 2017 and 2020 household payment method surveys.

Findings on cash receipts

The key driver determining how to take payment was what customers wanted. 83% took payment against invoice, with 68% accepting bank transfers and 60% cash.

10% had restricted their cash acceptance and 16% increased their acceptance of non-cash payments as a result of the pandemic. They stated this was partially due to hygiene and partly customer demand.