Cash is available to all users

Europe's lawmakers agree on the principle that cash must be accepted as legal tender. The argument is over the exceptions — machines without staff, merchants claiming security risks. Together, those two exceptions would apply exactly where people have no other way to pay. And neither exception, on the evidence, holds up.

Cash in Canada remains resilient says a new Bank of Canada Survey. Its use at the point of sale remains stable, holdings are growing, and public perception of cash is increasingly positive—a testament to its enduring role in economic resilience and inclusion.

In just five years, Brazil accomplished what many nations only dream of: it built a public digital payment system so compelling that it rewrote the rules of payments. What does this mean for cash?

Banknotes remain a cornerstone of national health security, ensuring resilience, accessibility, and trust. Cash protects societies from digital vulnerabilities while promoting financial inclusion for all citizens, particularly during emergencies when offline options are critical.

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Australians across the country participated in the annual Cash Out Day, a grassroots campaign designed to underscore the enduring importance of cash in everyday life.

New York State’s 2026 law mandating cash acceptance marks a turning point for financial inclusion, joining a national movement to protect consumers’ right to pay with cash amid growing concerns over equity and payment system resilience.

Switzerland joins Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia as countries looking to adopt a consitutional right to cash.

Indian banks are planning to deploy 17,350 new ATMs—75% cash recyclers—over six months, led by state-run banks, to boost efficiency and fill gaps, blending tech innovation with enduring cash demand.

Nearly 1 in 4 women in France experience economic violence from their partners, often as an initial form of abuse. 28% of women in a relationship lack a personal bank account. 72% of women suffering economic violence also endure verbal or physical abuse, illustrating the interconnected nature of these violences. Cash remains a critical resource enabling women to escape abusive relationships when digital finances are controlled or monitored. Cash accessibility must be preserved to ensure immediate autonomy.

In a new book 'The Power of Cash,'Jay Zagorky highlights the benefits of cash, from privacy to national security. To ensure future demand, we must expose children to cash early. Advocacy groups should focus on educating youth through classroom activities and contests.

Elsewhere on the Web provides updates and links to articles related to cash, money and payments curated on the web. This month the focus is on declining cash usage for payments and the growing threats that this poses to the economy and society.

On International Women's Day, it's imperative to recognize that access to cash is not merely a financial issue but a fundamental right that underpins women's autonomy, safety, and equality. Cash serves as a tangible instrument of empowerment, enabling women to exercise control over their lives and make independent choices.