Andorra Phases Out Cash in Public Administration

Andorra's public administration is increasingly phasing out cash payments for official procedures, with credit cards, bank transfers, or mobile apps now required for many transactions.

Even small fees, such as the few euros needed for a criminal records certificate, must be paid electronically. Cash is no longer accepted for this service, a policy in place since 2022. While the government lacks a blanket rule prohibiting cash across all departments, specific procedures—like trademark registrations, certain online applications, and fee payments—explicitly demand card payments.

A recent government instruction manual for cash handling, dated for 2026, still references both cash receipts and card terminals, but in practice, cash is becoming harder to use. One woman at the customs service of Correos managed to pay in cash only after persistent requests and providing the exact amount.

The shift stems from post-pandemic habits, where card usage surged alongside mobile payments and services like Bizum. Some residents also prefer credit cards to bridge shortfalls before month-end.

Regulatory pressures play a role too. The Audit Office advises against cash collections to prevent fraud, citing a past case at the Social Security Fund (CASS) where a department head misappropriated sanction payments made in cash. The Council of Europe's Greco expert group, in its latest Andorra review, urged an end to accepting fines directly from police officers in cash.

The trend contrasts with recent developments elsewhere. Switzerland approved a referendum yesterday to preserve permanent access to physical currency, partly as a safeguard against widespread blackouts—like Spain's in April 2025. Spain has banned cash payments of €1,000 or more since 2021.