What would the digital euro be?

The digital euro could be used for all your digital payments, just as cash can for physical payments. It would offer another way to pay in stores or online shops, or to send money to friends and family.

You would be able to use digital euro with any shops and merchants in the euro area that accept digital payments.

Everyone in the euro area would be able to pay in digital euro free of charge, just the same as with banknotes and coins.

You wouldn’t need an internet connection. You would still be able to make your payments – anytime, anywhere.

The ECB and the Eurosystem would not be able to identify who you are or what you are buying from the payment data we get. Moreover, the digital euro's offline functionality would guarantee a level of privacy comparable to cash.

A euro will always be a euro. One digital euro would always be worth exactly the same as a €1 coin.

The digital euro will be designed to meet everyone's needs. With our user research, we are listening to European citizens, gathering data and insights that will help shape an inclusive digital euro that leaves no one behind.

We are collaborating with the private and public sector to test new ideas, develop innovative features and provide practical solutions for real-life payment situations. The digital euro has the potential to offer people more choices and greater convenience, contributing to business success while also promoting innovation across Europe.