The debate over whether we should become a cashless society shows no signs of abating soon, but in the meantime plenty of compelling reasons remain for using cash in a variety of situations.
While some businesses are embracing cashless payments, and the whole country of Sweden is moving in that direction, cash isn’t about to disappear. Too many businesses still depend on coins and bills to sell their wares. Cash remains king at fast food restaurants, for instance, where 41% of the business accounts for cash transactions. Cash also remains a significant portion of business at gas and convenience stores (33%), mass merchants (32%), restaurants and bars (26%), and warehouse clubs and food stores (25%), according to IHL.
With so much business still conducted in cash, don’t expect it to disappear any time soon. Besides, some customers cannot pay with anything but cash, since they are unbanked or under-banked.
When Banking Isn’t Available
Currently, the number of Americans without bank accounts is 5%, according to a Federal Reserve report. In Europe the number is higher – 14%. And the World Bank estimates that globally 2 billion people are unbanked.
If forced into a cashless system, unbanked and under-banked people would be disenfranchised, unable to buy food, clothing and other life necessities. Most people don’t choose to be unbanked or under-banked; they simply have no access to the banking system. In some cases that’s because they live in rural or inner city communities where bank branches are scarce.
Banks also deny people accounts if they fail a background check or they’ve had too many overdrafts of bounced checks in the past. Other reasons for unbanked or under-banked people include distrust of banking institutions, unemployment, illiteracy and banking fees.
A cashless society would disproportionally affect the poor and other vulnerable communities, such as recent immigrants who haven’t had enough time to build up credit or open a bank account.
Security Issues
Some consumers choose to pay for purchases with cash because of security concerns. Every time another big company suffers a breach that compromises payment card information, consumers worry about how that impacts them.
In 2017, the consumer credit reporting agency Equifax suffered one of the biggest breaches to ever grab headlines. It compromised personal data of almost half of all Americans (145.5 million), including driver license numbers birth dates, addresses and Social Security numbers.
Consumers have good reason to worry about a potential cashless society. One of the possible consequences of having personal data stolen through a security breach is identity theft, which can cause years of headaches for victims. Through identity theft, cybercriminals can empty a person’s bank account, use their credit cards, get government benefits and even apply for a job in the victim’s name.
Paying Cash for Online Purchases?
While there is an undeniable push for cashless systems, there is just as persistent a movement to continue using cash. It is even possible to pay for online purchases with cash, thanks to a product called Paysafecash. It allows buyers to go to a nearby location to pay with cash for an online purchase. How successful Paysafecash will be remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: As long as initiatives and technology like Paysafecash are introduced, you can bet cash will stick around for a long while.
FAQs
With so much business still conducted in cash, don't expect it to disappear any time soon. Besides, some customers cannot pay with anything but cash, since they are unbanked or under-banked.
Is the US going to go cashless? ›
It might be said that the US is headed toward a cashless society. Some small businesses have even put up signs saying that they no longer accept cash, another factor that's driving this change. Cash payments can take longer, limit potential sales, and open up businesses to the possibility of an audit.
Will cash disappear soon? ›
From paper to polymer banknotes
We have been issuing banknotes for over 300 years and make sure the banknotes we all use are of high quality. While the future demand for cash is uncertain, it is unlikely that cash will die out any time soon.
Are we becoming a cashless society? ›
The concept of a cashless society has been around for decades. But with 80% of payments in the US being made digitally in 2022, and four in ten of us ditching change altogether, research suggests that the transition from physical currency could take place sooner than we once thought.
How long until cashless society? ›
The first truly cashless society could be a reality by 2023, according to a new report from global consultancy A.T. Kearney. In just five years, we could be living in the very first truly cashless society.
What are the dangers of a cashless society? ›
A cashless society offers a range of benefits such as convenience, transparency and stability. However, there are concerns about financial exclusion , privacy and security. It has been suggested that disadvantaged groups are most likely to be disproportionately affected by the transition away from cash.
Is China a cashless country? ›
China is a pioneer in cashless transactions, propelled by Alibaba's Alipay and Tencent's WeChat Pay. According to the article's forecast, around 60 percent of China's 1.3 billion population will have made a purchase via mobile payment by 2023.
Which country is getting rid of cash? ›
Sweden. With a date set in 2023 to go completely cashless, Sweden is arguably the closest country to achieve this. It is currently not uncommon to see signs that say “No Cash Accepted” in various shops in Sweden.
What country is nearly cashless? ›
Norways is the most cashless country, with only around 2% of payments being made by cash, and 100% of the population having a bank account.
Which banks are going cashless? ›
Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB and Westpac all confirmed on Friday that there are no current plans to go cashless. This comes after Macquarie Bank announced it would phase out cash and cheque services across all its banking and wealth management products from January to November 2024.
Q: What is the future of money? The future of money is expected to be heavily influenced by technology. Predictions include the rise of cashless societies, the growth of cryptocurrencies, the continued adoption of digital currencies, and the potential offering of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) by governments.
Will cash be used in 2030? ›
Analysis from Barclays Investment Bank, meanwhile, predicts that the global transition from cash to digital payments would reach a tipping point moment in 2025, when absolute cash usage would decline from 41 per cent in 2019 to 20 per cent by 2030.
Who is left behind in a cashless society? ›
Cashless society: disadvantages
Elderly people may be less comfortable with tech and less able to make the switch from physical currency. Rural communities could also be left vulnerable, because of poor broadband and mobile connectivity. People with low income or debt tend to find cash easier to manage too.
Why shouldn t the US go cashless? ›
A cashless society would rely on a complex network of digital systems, which would be vulnerable to cyberattacks. If these systems were hacked, it could have a devastating impact on the economy. Privacy is the third challenge raised. Cash can be exchanged anonymously, leaving no digital trail.
What would happen if cash was abolished? ›
Cash allows us to make purchases anonymously. Without cash, we would be forced to leave a record of everything we buy. While this may not bother some, there are many who worry that governments and/or corporations could use our purchasing histories as a way to track us, monitor us, and even intimidate us.
Why does cash still exist? ›
It ensures your freedom and autonomy. Banknotes and coins are the only form of money that people can keep without involving a third party. You don't need access to equipment, the internet or electricity to pay with cash, meaning it can be used when the power is down or if you lose your card. It's legal tender.
Is there any reason to keep cash? ›
Key takeaways. Reasons people keep cash at home include emergency preparedness, financial privacy concerns and mistrust of banks. It's a good idea to keep enough cash at home to cover two months' worth of basic necessities, some experts recommend.
Will cash be a thing in the future? ›
Analysis from Barclays Investment Bank, meanwhile, predicts that the global transition from cash to digital payments would reach a tipping point moment in 2025, when absolute cash usage would decline from 41 per cent in 2019 to 20 per cent by 2030.
