Summary: Offline Card Payments Should Be Possible in Sweden by 1 July 2026 The Riksbank, Sweden’s central bank, along with representatives from the Swedish payment market, have agreed on measures to enhance the ability to make offline card payments for essential goods. This initiative aims to strengthen Sweden's payment preparedness and resilience against disruptions in the digital payment system. Key Points Goal Timeline: Offline card payment capabilities must be implemented by no later than July 1, 2026. Context from the Governor: Governor Erik Thedéen highlights: Digital payments dominate in Sweden, and cash usage is low. Ensuring the public can pay by card offline (without data communication) for essentials like food and medicine is crucial for civil preparedness. The agreement reflects joint responsibility from card issuers, card networks, acquirers, retail sectors, and the Riksbank. Implementation Details: The agreement involves: Financial agents adapting regulatory frameworks. The retail sector introducing new technological solutions enabling offline payments. The Riksbank will lead and monitor the work. Scope: Offline functionality applies to physical payment cards with PIN code for essential goods (food, medicine, fuel). The Riksbank will continue efforts to enable offline payments for other payment methods after 2026. Importance Strengthens civil preparedness for crises where digital networks may be disrupted. Enhances operational resilience of Sweden’s payment infrastructure. Encourages cooperation among all stakeholders in the payment chain, even those not directly regulated by the Riksbank. Related Documents PDF: "Offline card payments should be possible no later than 1 July 2026" PDF: Memo on increasing possibilities to make offline card payments in Sweden Contact Information Press Office Telephone: +46 8-7870200 --- The Riksbank is Sweden’s central bank tasked with ensuring low and stable inflation, financial stability, and reliable payments. It also issues Sweden’s banknotes and coins. --- Additional Information Links The website provides extensive content on: Monetary Policy Financial Stability Markets Payments & Cash Press & Published materials including reports, press releases, speeches, and publications. --- This agreement marks a critical step toward enhancing payment system robustness, ensuring that even during severe disruptions, essential purchases can be made securely and effectively in Sweden.