💵 Can I pay large amounts in cash in Sweden?

With conditions

Quick answer

Yes — there is currently no statutory upper limit on cash payment in Sweden. Banknotes and coins are legal tender, but because of freedom of contract a shop or restaurant may refuse cash, refuse coins or refuse certain notes, usually by posting a sign. Businesses covered by the anti-money-laundering law must apply customer due diligence and report suspicious, unusually large cash transactions to the financial police. A duty to accept cash requiring grocery stores and pharmacies to take cash is proposed, and the Riksbank has recommended a 10,000 kr cap on cash purchases — but none of this is decided yet.

📋 The rules

No statutory cash limit in Sweden today
Banknotes and coins are legal tender
Freedom of contract: a shop may refuse cash
The AML law requires reporting of suspicious amounts
A duty to accept cash for shops is proposed, not decided

🔓 Exceptions

Authorities and certain debts may have different rules
The proposed cash-acceptance duty would have exceptions for temporary situations
The Riksbank recommends a 10,000 kr cap, tied to EU rules in 2027

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Today there is no penalty for paying or refusing cash. Breaches of the AML rules can bring heavy administrative fines for businesses.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Is there a cash-payment limit in Sweden?

No, there is no statutory upper limit today. A 10,000 kr cap is, however, recommended and under review.

Can a shop refuse my cash?

Yes. Because of freedom of contract a shop may choose to be cashless, usually by posting a sign.

Must businesses report large cash payments?

Yes, businesses covered by the AML law must report suspicious, unusually large transactions.

Are banknotes legal tender?

Yes, banknotes and coins are legal tender, but freedom of contract lets a shop still refuse them.

What is the duty to accept cash?

A proposal to require grocery stores and pharmacies to accept cash. It is not yet decided.

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