Cash is losing its privileges. From 2026, none of the sellers will be able to refuse cashless payment. Whether it is a purchase at the market, at a hairdresser or in small shops, everyone will have to offer the option of paying by card or via QR code. “We only take cash” will thus become a thing of the past.

Why is the state changing the rules?

Every year the state loses huge sums – up to 1.4 billion euros escapes on unpaid income taxes and VAT. The Ministry of Finance is therefore coming up with measures to prevent fraud and increase tax collection. According to the president of the Financial Administration, Jozef Kiss, the system worked best during the pandemic, when trading moved online.

Where will you be able to pay cashless everywhere?

From 2026, all merchants – from market vendors to hairdressers – will have to enable cashless payments. If they will not have a terminal, they must offer an alternative, for example a QR code. This change will affect even the smallest entrepreneurs and is intended to ensure that every sale is properly taxed.

Fines for rogues will be harsher

The state will get tougher against merchants who do not issue pads or allow registered payments.

  • Fines for unissued blocks will increase from today’s 300 eur up to 6 000 eur.
  • Targeted checks on entrepreneurs will be even stricter.

It should also be mandatory e-invoicewhich will simplify the control. In addition, the financial administration will have online access to the toll system, which will make fraud significantly more difficult.

How will it affect ordinary people?

It will bring more convenience for customers. No more “we only take cash” excuses from merchants. Everything can be paid by card or mobile phone, anywhere – from a fruit stand to small services.

What does the public think about mandatory online payments?

As the new rules were introduced, we asked several people how they felt about a cashless future in shops and services.

Mária, 34 years old, saleswoman:
“It’s a good idea, especially for customers who already prefer to pay by card today. But I am afraid that for small businessmen this may mean higher costs for terminals.”

Peter, 52 years old, self-employed:
“I am glad that they are trying to limit fraud, but I think that the state should first support entrepreneurs to cope with these changes. It can be complicated for some.’

Jana, 26 years old, IT specialist:
“I welcome cashless payments. I almost never carry cash anymore, so I find it practical. In addition, it is safer and more transparent.”

Does it have a chance of success?

Experts see potential in the new measures if they are consistently applied. “If tax evasion is reduced, we will all have to bear less losses. Honest entrepreneurs and customers will only benefit from this,” says economist Martin Šuster.

Survey: Slovaks divided – increase in doctors’ salaries yes, mass dismissals no!