Getting ready

What to do now

The ECB says the digital euro could be issued during 2029 if EU lawmakers adopt the regulation during 2026; no decision to issue has been made. These steps help you stay informed and protected.

For individuals

Follow your central bank's official CBDC page, not social media rumours.
Expect access through your existing bank or payment app. You will not need a new provider.
Note likely holding limits. Savings would stay in your bank account.
Cash is not being withdrawn in the euro area, UK, Brazil or the Caribbean programmes.
Take part in public consultations if you have views on privacy or design.

For businesses

If you trade in the euro area, follow the legislative process on the proposed digital euro; any acceptance obligation depends on the final EU regulation.
Ask your payment provider and terminal supplier about their CBDC roadmap.
Review merchant fee contracts; a public option may change pricing.
Finance and treasury teams should track wholesale projects such as Agorá for cross-border settlement.
UK firms can engage through the Digital Pound Lab and Bank of England requests for information.

Scam warning

No central bank sells a CBDC as an investment, runs a presale, or asks you to buy “CBDC tokens” in advance. A CBDC is always worth exactly one unit of the national currency. Treat any offer to buy digital euros, digital pounds or “CBDC coins” before an official launch as fraud, and report it to your national regulator.