Sweden is moving toward expanding offline payments for essential goods using bank cards. The measures are expected to be implemented by July 1, 2026 with the support of the Riksbank and participants in the payment market. The main goal of the initiative is to increase the system’s resilience to disruptions in digital payments and to ensure the availability of purchases during crisis situations.
Offline payments using physical cards and a PIN will become available when purchasing groceries, medicines, and fuel. The agreement provides that card issuers, networks, acquirers, and retailers will implement the necessary technical and regulatory solutions, and the Riksbank will oversee the execution of the measures.
The Governor of the Riksbank, Erik Thedéen, stressed that the initiative strengthens the country’s civilian preparedness for potential emergencies. Sweden rarely uses cash, so authorities aim to prevent difficulties in acquiring goods if online payments stall due to technical problems or malicious actions.
According to various sources, in May 2025 Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Estonia are working on creating offline card payment systems as a backup option in case of loss of internet connectivity or sabotage.
Purpose and Preparedness of the Payment System for Disruptions
The key objective of the initiative is to raise civilian readiness and reduce dependence on online payments in crisis situations. This will enable fast and reliable payments for essential goods even without a stable internet connection.
The implementation plan includes coordination among issuers, networks, acquirers, and retailers, as well as compliance with regulatory requirements to ensure security and interoperability of the systems.
Cash Usage and International Experience
In Sweden, cash is not used as actively as before, which is why the government focuses on the risks of goods becoming unavailable in the case of technical disruptions or malicious actions that affect online payments.
Within the regional context, other Nordic countries are also working on offline card payment systems as a backup option in case of loss of internet connectivity, including potential sabotage.