Cash continues to remain one of the most used forms of transactions in Albania, despite the increase in electronic payments and the use of online banking services. Data for the first quarter of 2026 show that both businesses and citizens continue to carry out a significant number of cash transactions.

According to official figures from the Bank of Albania, businesses have carried out over 802 thousand cash transactions during the first three months of the year, with a total value of approximately Lek 370 billion. This means that every day, thousands of companies and enterprises continue to use bank counters to deposit or withdraw physical cash.

The vast majority of these transactions are related to cash deposits. During the first quarter alone, businesses have deposited around Lek 267 billion in the banking system, while they have withdrawn over Lek 102 billion from their accounts.

On the other hand, individuals also continue to rely heavily on cash. During the first quarter, over 859 thousand cash transactions were recorded, with a total value of more than Lek 183 billion.

Citizens have deposited around Lek 106 billion in banks, while they have withdrawn nearly Lek 78 billion. This shows that a significant part of the savings and financial circulation of Albanian families continues to pass through physical money.

Another interesting indicator is that individuals have carried out more transactions in number than businesses, but their value has been significantly lower. While businesses have carried out transactions with larger values, related to economic activity and daily payments, citizens have carried out more actions, but mainly for personal and family needs.

In total, during the first three months of the year alone, businesses and individuals have carried out over 1.6 million cash transactions, with a value exceeding Lek 553 billion. Figures show that, although the digitalization of payments is advancing, cash continues to play an important role in the Albanian economy and remains a preferred means of payment for both businesses and citizens.