Cash covers a broad range of transactions

Cash is making an unexpected comeback in Australia, defying narratives of its decline. A Reserve Bank study reveals its resurgence, driven by trust, accessibility, and resilience—challenging assumptions about a cashless future.

Do we really know what accepting payments really entails for retailers? Why are some retailers or customers reluctant to use cards? What role does cash play? Find out from retailers’ own experiences.

The Bundesbank’s latest study on payment behaviour in Germany for 2025 shows that 45 % of all recorded purchases were made using cash. Cash remains the most frequently used means of payment at the point of sale.

Planning to sail across the Atlantic? Don’t forget your GPS, your satphone… and your cash. Even in the middle of the ocean, some things just can’t be paid for without cash.

According to a new BIS brief, cash in circulation has stabilised globally in relation to GDP, indicating a steady demand for cash as a store of value. Cash withdrawal volumes have declined significantly, driven by supply-side factors, notably the shrinking cash infrastructure. Despite the decline in withdrawal volumes, the average value of cash withdrawals has increased.

Cash persists in the euro area—not just for small purchases, but as a trusted liquidity buffer. While digital payments rise, the dual role of cash endures, reflecting deep-rooted habits and a key component of trust .

As Valentine's Day approaches, a unique trend is emerging in Kenya banknote bouquets, where currency is folded into floral designs. While beautiful, this practice defaces banknotes, posing challenges for the Central Bank. How to balance art and regulation?

Economists estimate holiday gifts lose 10–33% of their value upon unwrapping. Gifts activate brain reward centers, creating emotional bonds, but often miss the mark, leading to deadweight loss on unwanted gifts. 40% of people resell unwanted gifts. Cash gifts reduce environmental waste from packaging and unwanted items, aligning with modern sustainability values. Cash is increasingly seen as an acceptable, thoughtful and practical expression of trust and care.

Cash remains the most cost-effective payment method for small transactions (up to €20) in German retail, while Girocard debit cards are most efficient for larger amounts. Visa/Mastercard debit and credit cards incur significantly higher transaction fees (1.5–3.15% per transaction). Company size strongly influences payment method costs: small retailers favor cash due to low fees, while large retailers leverage economies of scale to adopt digital payments efficiently.

The U.S. penny, a symbol of American commerce since 1793, is disappearing amid unprecedented turmoil. The Treasury’s decision earlier this year to halt penny production, driven by cost-saving measures has left retailers, consumers, and policymakers scrambling.

From Revolut’s ATMs in Spain to Lloyds’ PayPoint cash deposits, a new wave of CashTech is proving cash is evolving. By blending digital innovation with physical currency, fintechs and banks are ensuring cash remains accessible, secure, and relevant in an increasingly digital world.

Cash remains a resilient and essential part of Canada’s monetary and payments landscape. The Bank of Canada’s 2024 Methods-of-Payment (MOP) Survey reveals that while digital alternatives like mobile payments and contactless cards are on the rise, cash usage has remained stable since 2020.