Italy Goes Contactless: 88% of POS Payments and What It Means for Crypto

What happened

Italy's central bank, Banca d'Italia, confirmed that 88% of card payments at point-of-sale terminals are now contactless, with 24% made via mobile devices, and over 16 billion cashless transactions occurred in 2025.

Confirmed

Global impact / market context

This shift to contactless and mobile payments shows Italians are moving away from cash, which could make it easier for digital currencies, including crypto, to be used in everyday shopping, potentially increasing their adoption.

Analyst inference

As more people use contactless payments, payment companies and banks may invest more in digital infrastructure. This trend could also pressure traditional cash-based businesses to adapt, while crypto firms might see Italy as a growing market for their services.

Analyst inference

What to watch

1. Watch for official updates from Banca d'Italia on contactless payment growth, as they confirmed the current 88% figure and 16 billion transactions, which are key facts to track. Confirmed
2. Consider monitoring whether Italian retailers and banks increase their investment in contactless and mobile payment technology, as this could signal further cashless adoption and affect payment-related companies. Proposed
3. Observe if crypto payment services gain traction in Italy, since the rise in contactless and mobile payments might create a friendlier environment for digital currencies, potentially influencing their use. Analyst inference

Evidence

• en.spaziocrypto.com