The role of cash

Cash is the most frequently used means of payment in stores in the euro area and can be used by everyone.

Cash offers important functions and benefits:

• 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. Creditors, such as shops and restaurants, cannot refuse cash, unless both they and the customer have agreed on another means of payment in advance. For more information, see the European Commission Recommendation of 22 March 2010 on the scope and effects of legal tender of euro banknotes and coins (2010/191/EU).
• It ensures your privacy. Cash transactions respect our fundamental right to have our privacy, data and identity protected in financial matters.
• It’s inclusive. Cash provides payment and savings options for people with limited or no access to digital money, making it crucial for the inclusion of socially vulnerable citizens such as the elderly or lower-income groups.
• It helps you keep track of your expenses. Cash allows you to keep closer control of your spending, for example by preventing you from overspending.
• It’s fast. Banknotes and coins settle a payment instantly.
• It’s secure. Cash has proven to be secure against cybercrime, fraud and counterfeiting. And, as it’s central bank money, it doesn’t entail financial risks for either the payer or the payee.
• It’s a store of value. Cash is more than just a payment instrument. It allows people to hold money for saving purposes without default risk. It is useful for small person-to-person gifts and payments. For example, parents can entrust small amounts of cash to their children for small purchases, or a person can give a friend or acquaintance cash to purchase something on their behalf. Cash also contributes to children's financial literacy.