Payment Methods Survey of Companies
The Swiss National Bank regularly conducts a survey of companies on payment methods. The aim of the survey is to obtain information on the acceptance and use of payment methods, on developments in the supply and distribution of cash, and on cashless payments.
It covers companies that play an important role in everyday payments. Every two years, a large sample of around 2,000 companies from all Swiss language regions, size categories and relevant industries is surveyed. In addition, an annual questionnaire is completed by a small sample of selected companies from retail, food services, public transport and other services industries (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons and dry cleaning).
The results of the survey help the SNB to fulfil its statutory tasks with regard to the supply and distribution of cash and to cashless payments.
Detailed information on the methodology can be found under 'Key aspects of survey design' and in the annexes to the respective reports.
Further charts
The charts show the most recent survey results for each question; not all questions are asked every year.
Methodology
Method
Computer-assisted web interview (CAWI)
Survey population
The survey population comprises companies that normally have direct contact with customers on a daily basis and are therefore particularly important for everyday payments.
- Large sample: Providers of everyday goods and services. This includes companies in the following industries (cf. NOGA classification): Wholesale and retail trade (G), Accommodation and food service activities (I), Public administration and defence; compulsory social security (P), Arts, sports and recreation (S), Other service activities (T).
- Small sample: Selected companies in retail, food services, public transport and other services industries (e.g. hairdressers, beauty salons and dry cleaning) with large market shares in the respective industries.
Sampling procedure
- Large sample: Sample drawn from the sampling frame used for company surveys at the Swiss Federal Statistical Office
- Small sample: Manual selection of companies based on market share in the respective industries
Survey period
Mid-May to end-July
Survey conducted
- Survey of large sample: 2021, 2023, 2025
- Survey of small sample: 2024, 2025, 2026
The Swiss National Bank conducts the country's monetary policy as an independent central bank. Under the National Bank Act, it is tasked with ensuring the supply and distribution of cash in Switzerland. Additionally, it is entrusted with facilitating and securing the operation of cashless payment systems. By performing these tasks, the SNB creates the necessary conditions for the public to be able to choose their preferred method of payment for each transaction.
The SNB is conducting this survey in collaboration with the research institute intervista. You can find further information on the company at www.intervista.ch.
Should you have any questions regarding the questionnaire, please contact intervista AG via its hotline, which is available from Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 12.00 noon and 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm, on +41 31 511 39 23. You can also contact intervista AG by sending an email to unternehmensbefragung@intervista.ch.
Should you have any questions regarding the contents of the survey, please get in touch with the designated contact team at the SNB on +41 58 631 00 00.