Costs of cash versus costs of electronic payment instruments

Mastercard is facing a £14 billion class action lawsuit over interchange fees, after a failed appeal was denied by the Court. If successful 46 million claimants could receive £300 each.

A new paper explores the current role of cash and the probable design of a future Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in the euro area, the digital euro. It asks if there is a possible crowding out of cash by the digital euro or, more likely a co-circulation.

Ukraine has managed to secure its cash supply chain despite the war with Russia. Remittances have not increased sensibly, flowing to neighboring countries where refugees have settled.

Cash is king in Latin America, and many incumbents and startups have launched CashTech solutions in the region.

During a CashEssentials-hosted research seminar, panellists highlighted the complexity of measuring the cost of payments.

Small businesses are charging U.S. customers extra to cover Visa and Mastercard’s high swipe fees during the cost-of-living crisis.

Cash in circulation is growing in Tanzania, alongside significant progress in terms of financial inclusion and the development of mobile money.

Bitcoin's use in payments remains limited in El Salvador, despite the government's massive marketing campaign - something no country has ever done for cash.

In Poland, nearly half of all card transactions involve cash withdrawals and cashback operations. During the pandemic, the Polish central bank has defended the consumers’ right to use cash in retail payments.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal has added £2.7 billion to the £14 billion class action against Mastercard. If successful, 46 million claimants could receive around £300 each.

The recent agreement between Amazon and Visa on card fees, highlights the increasing level of fees and the lack of competition in payments, as consumers have shifted away from cash during the pandemic.

Hackers have long exploited computer vulnerabilities to rob banks remotely. These cybercrimes entail severe risks to banking systems worldwide.