Europe

Germans love cash for many reasons and although efforts are being made to influence their payment preferences, they still stick to their euro notes.

Cash accounts for 22.9% of all payments in Spain making it one of the heaviest cash-using countries. This is partly due to the country's high rural population as well as its extremely high accessibility to ATMs.

The partnership ING Spain has setup with a number of stores to offer cashback has been a great success. Thanks to its Twyp app, bank customers and other app users have an easier access to cash across Spain.

As of January 13, 2018, European consumers will be able to get "cashback" at their local shop. This European directive as long awaited by retailers and consumers alike to facilitate access to cash.

Spanish online sunglasses shop Hawkers' refusal to accept cash and the consequences of such measures, could set a precedent in favor cash and consumer choice.

A recently conducted Verizon study found that almost half of the companies that have a presence in Europe fail to comply with the new European General Data Protection Regulation, leaving consumers vulnerable to data breaches.

Various associations stepped up to defend cash following a public consultation on possible cash restrictions in the EU.

PayPal and Crédit Mutuel agreed to close the account of extremist group Génération identitaire, who was raising funds to finance sabotage operations in the Mediterranean.

Iceland is exploring the possibility to impose cash restrictions as a solution to fight tax evasion but such a move will only hurt honest citizens and do little to help government's coffers.

Three major banks launched an initiative to establish a single ATM network to be operated by an external company. The aim is to ensure a safe and easy access to cash across the country.

Yves Mersch, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB highlights the risks associated with a cashless society.

45% of transactions were carried out in cash in The Netherlands and the Dutch National Forum on the Payment System affirms that cash plays a significant role in the Dutch payment landscape.