The European Central Bank (ECB) has opened its digital euro pilot to online and mobile commerce merchants across the euro area.

The call follows the earlier selection of payment service providers for the exercise.

Selected merchants will test a beta digital euro. This version closely resembles the digital euro proposed under draft EU legislation, but it will not carry legal tender status.

The pilot will check how the payment method performs in real e-commerce and m-commerce settings, covering its technical functionality, operational processes and user experience.

Eurosystem staff, selected payment service providers and merchants offering everyday services at central bank premises will also take part.

This call is aimed at online and mobile commerce merchants. National central banks may run separate calls to recruit merchants locally.

Participating merchants will process beta digital euro transactions and test how the payment method fits into their existing checkout flows.

They will also share feedback on customer experience, merchant needs and integration requirements. This feedback will help shape design decisions.

A final decision on whether to issue a digital euro will only follow the adoption of the relevant EU legislation.

Taking part is voluntary and unpaid. Selected merchants must sign a participation agreement with the ECB and work with a payment provider that can accept digital euro payments on their behalf.

The pilot is set to begin in the second half of 2027 and run for 12 months. It follows the ECB’s selection of 36 payment service providers earlier this year.

More details on how to apply, including where to send applications, are available on the ECB‘s website.

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