The Dutch are the least likely of all eurzone Europeans to use cash, according to a new report by the European central bank on the use of cash by households in the euro area.

The Dutch use cash in 45% of shop transactions, compared with an average of 79% in the entire eurozone. Cash is particularly popular in southern European states, Germany and Austria, the central bank said.

The Netherlands is the only country in the eurozone where cashless payments outstrip notes and coins. Estonia is next on the list, with payments split 50:50 between digital systems and cash.

The Netherlands has several retail chains which no longer accept cash payments, such as Marqt and the Vlaamse Broodhuis. Supermarkets like Albert Heijn are also introducing cash-free checkout desks and public transport in Amsterdam is poised to eradicate cash altogether later by 2018.

In 2015, Dutch banks and retailers signed a covenant to discourage the use of cash, which they say will boost the security and efficiency of the payment system.