From 1 July 2026, card payments will be able to be made offline for socially critical products and services. This is an initiative from the Riksbank to increase society's resilience to crises and network disruptions, an important measure in a country where cash use is at record lows.
Why offline payments?
In the event of disruptions to the internet or mobile network, today's digital payments can quickly become a bottleneck. Enabling offline payments ensures that people can buy essential goods such as food, medicine and fuel - even when the connection fails. The requirement initially applies to payment cards with chip and PIN, not to mobile payments or contactless solutions, but in the long term the idea is that offline payments should also work for other payment methods.
Swedbank Pay - part of the solution
As a leading player in payments, we have a clear mission: to create secure and functional payment flows in all situations. Offline payments are not just a technical solution - they are a societal function. We therefore actively work with decision-makers and key players in the payment world to shape and influence how they should work.
The work includes, among other things:
- Future-proofing payment terminals so that they can handle offline functionality.
- Support merchants with knowledge and solutions that make payments possible even in times of crisis.
- Contribute to robust systems that strengthen Sweden's payment readiness.
What does this mean for you as a merchant?
If you sell food, medicine or fuel, you need to be ready to accept payments offline from 1 July 2026.
- Review your payment terminals – are they adapted for offline functionality?
- Plan for redundancy – multiple payment methods provide security for both you and your customers.
- Stay up to date – we will guide you through the changes.
A safer future for payments
Offline payments are a step towards a more resilient Sweden. For us at Swedbank Pay, it goes without saying that we take responsibility for payments to work – regardless of whether it is everyday life or a crisis. Together with our customers and partners, we are building a payment system that delivers what it promises when it is needed most.
Do you have any questions or concerns about offline payments? Get in touch and we will be happy to tell you more.
Contribute to robust systems that strengthen Sweden's payment readiness.
Article in Swedish
