Czech Business Today

The Czech Republic ranks among the world’s leaders in contactless card use. Eight out of ten customers today prefer to pay without cash, and the number of payment terminals continues to grow. Yet, despite these successes, the network of cashless payment points is still far from complete – particularly in smaller towns and among sole traders, where card acceptance remains limited.

To help close this gap, the Czechia Pays by Card program is continuing to expand its reach. The initiative, launched under a Memorandum on the Support of Cashless Transactions and Digital Payments, brings together the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mastercard, VISA, major banks, and business associations such as the Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic. The memorandum has now been extended until March 2028, ensuring that companies can still obtain a payment terminal free of charge and test it in their business for six months – without setup fees or transaction charges for card payments up to CZK 50,000 per month.

The goal is clear: to make cashless payments available everywhere customers expect them. Many small businesses still hesitate to accept cards because of the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining terminals or higher fees when their card turnover is low. By offering a free trial period, the program lowers these barriers and encourages entrepreneurs to experience the benefits of card acceptance firsthand.

For businesses, digital payments are not just about convenience but also about competitiveness. Studies show that companies accepting card payments often report higher sales and improved customer satisfaction. For consumers, it means faster service and less risk of handling errors or lost cash. For the economy, a more extensive cashless infrastructure supports transparency, efficiency, and innovation.

According to Daniel Urban, Director General of the Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic, expanding digital payments contributes to the overall development of the Czech economy. Cashless transactions are more user-friendly for both customers and merchants, he explains, while reducing the risk of error and offering greater flexibility. The Confederation supports a balanced approach: people should always have the right to choose between cash and digital payment, but the option to pay by card should be available everywhere.

The Czechia Pays by Card initiative has already delivered tangible results – tens of thousands of new terminals have been installed, particularly outside major cities. It has also increased awareness among small businesses that adopting digital tools can simplify operations and attract more customers.

For European policymakers, the Czech experience offers an inspiring example of how public–private cooperation can accelerate the digitalization of payments and strengthen the foundations of a modern economy. By joining forces, government institutions, card companies, and business organizations have created a model that promotes inclusion, innovation, and growth – showing that even in a country with high contactless adoption, there is still work to be done to ensure that cashless payments truly become available everywhere for everyone.

Source: Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic