Over the past decade there has been a trend away from using cash for payments. This was particularly noticeable in Sweden and the other Nordic countries where a growing number of shops did not even accept cash. But it seems like that trend is reversing. Sweden’s Central Bank has recently called for legislation to promote and protect the right of citizens to pay with money, rather than cards or phone apps. The Financial Minister explains, “Basically, we are ensuring that no one is excluded from the possibility of paying. It supports people who cannot or do not want to pay digitally. Cash also makes payments possible in times of crisis, such as a natural disaster or an attack on infrastructure.” If the electricity and internet required for cashless payments is unavailable, physical money would be needed for people to make essential purchases, and for businesses to continue operating. In addition, cash promotes competition in the financial sector, as it is the only form of payment that does not charge a fee.

 

Cash is also important to protect the right of privacy. Those who cherish their freedom do not want banks and the government to know every purchase that they make. Tracking all transactions is one of the ways that China uses to control its population. It is called the “Social Credit System”, and the government is always watching to see if your purchases are in line with what they have decreed to be ‘good citizenship’. If your score is low you are punished by closing your account or inflicting other penalties. This is not something that democratic societies should want to copy. 

 

Sweden is not the only country to make this political U-turn about using cash. Italy has increased the cash payment limit from 2,000 to 5,000 euros, and ended various other anti-cash measures, despite resistance from the EU Commission. Slovakia has the right to cash payment enshrined in its constitution, and Austria has proposed the same. Even in Norway the government is seeking to reaffirm the right for its citizens to use cash. It is a trend that supports personal freedom and self reliance.