Cash makes a comeback in Sweden as digital payments face backlash

19 Jan 2026

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Sweden is widely seen as a model for moving towards a cashless society.

Only around one in 10 transactions in shops are now made using cash. Digital payments have become the norm across most sectors of the economy.

However, a surge in online fraud has raised concerns about security. Cyberattacks have also targeted government agencies and major supermarkets.

These risks have prompted authorities to reassess reliance on cashless systems.

Al Jazeera’s Paul Rhys reports from near Stockholm.

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Produced by: Al Jazeera English

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