Sweden is widely considered the country closest to becoming fully cashless, with cash transactions representing just 1% of its GDP as of 2024/2025. Many Swedish businesses, including shops and cafes, often refuse cash, relying instead on digital payments and the mobile app Swish.
Sweden has officially become the first country in the world to go completely cashless. Almost every shop, café, and public transport system in Sweden now accepts only digital payments like cards or mobile apps. The popular app “Swish,” launched in 2012, is used by millions of Swedes to send and receive money instantly.
Not yet. However, a 2024 report from the International Monetary Fund suggests that we might not be too far away from seeing the first. It suggested that Sweden would be the first completely cashless economy as soon as the end of 2025. This is unlikely to happen now, though.
The European nations that use the least amount of cash are Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands and Finland, with the majority of individuals in these countries owning debit cards or online banking apps, and the amount of cash payments falling overall (N26, 2021).
At present, cash continues to be the most common means of payment for purchases in physical shops in Spain and is still widely used in Spanish society. Looking ahead, consumers' expectations show signs of a moderate shift in their payment habits towards digital means of payment.
Overall, around 39 per cent of UK adults lived largely cashless lives throughout 2023. However, the number of people mainly using cash actually rose to 2.6 per cent (an increase from 1.7 per cent in 2022). For now, cash remains the second most frequently used payment method in the UK.
To put it abruptly, yes, shops in the UK can legally refuse cash payment. While cash is considered a legal tender, businesses have no legal obligation to accept it and have the right to set their own payment policies.
UK Finance research has shown that 39% of adults live an almost cashless life. As well as predicting that cash payments in the UK will continue to decline, and that by 2031, cash will account for 6% of all payments.
Although it seems as though digital payment systems are slowly replacing cash in everyday life, cash will by no means disappear by 2025. Very few people leave the house without any cash in their wallets. Whether it's for parking meters, change, or tips, you never know when you might need it.
The risk of other crimes such as identity theft, account takeovers, and fraudulent transactions will also increase when digital payments become the only option. Many banks are also relying on outdated infrastructure with decades-old IT systems increasing the risk of glitches, crashes, and mistakes.
Back in 1661, Sweden made history by issuing Europe's first paper banknotes. Today, the country is once again leading a financial revolution — this time by nearly eliminating cash altogether.
One of the disadvantages of cashless payment is the breach of data by hackers and loss of money due to fraudulent transactions. However, there are counter measures implemented to prevent frauds.
🚨 CONGRESS PUSHING CASHLESS SOCIETY & END OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM In 1971, we left the gold standard. Today, the groundwork is being laid for a cashless society controlled by digital currency. You won't control your money. The government will.
It is not illegal to keep cash at home in the UK, but it should be stored securely to mitigate risks. The amount of cash to have on hand varies, but a small amount for emergencies is recommended while keeping most in a secure bank account.
An emergency fund is your safety net. Aim to set aside three to six months' worth of essential living expenses. Keep these savings liquid and easily accessible in a high-yield savings account. The cushion will help you cover unforeseen expenses without falling into debt or selling investments at the wrong time.
Tesco caused uproar among shoppers this week when it confirmed it would ban cash payments at some of its cafes. The card-only policy will be rolled out to 40 in-store eateries. The supermarket has reportedly taken the decision after a new electronic ordering system helped to significantly cut down queues.
There is also a practical security advantage with cash. Although debit and credit cards often have personal identification numbers (PIN) and chips for extra security, there is less risk of identity theft or your information getting stolen online when using cash.
Is it illegal to pay someone cash in hand in the UK?
Cash-in-hand payments are legal but must follow strict tax and employment law rules. You must deduct and report tax and National Insurance and ensure staff receive payslips and legal entitlements.
Around 1 in 6 UK adults (roughly 8.4 million people) have no savings, while a significant portion, about one-quarter (23%), have £200 or less, leaving them financially vulnerable; this highlights a widespread lack of emergency funds, with many unable to cover even small unexpected costs. The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Building Societies Association (BSA), and Finder research consistently shows millions lack financial buffers, with some reports indicating over 10 million people are saving less or not at all.
U.S. consumers carry $6,501 in credit card debt on average, according to Experian data, but if your balance is much higher—say, $20,000 or beyond—you may feel hopeless. Paying off a high credit card balance can be a daunting task, but it is possible.
Over the coming years, it is likely that alternative digital payment methods will become ever more widely accepted and used. In fact, in 2017, debit cards overtook cash as the most frequently used payment method in the UK. Even so, many people will continue to use cash in their daily lives.
