Will we see a cashless society by 2023? (2024)

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. The nation leading this revolution? Sweden, whichtheResilience, Replacement and Renewable report, published on 27 September, said would be the first country running solely on digital and card payments. This, it said, is a result of cash payments in the country "decreasing fast" - in 2016, for example, only 15% of all retail transactions were paid for with cash; in 2010, this figure was 40%.

A.T. Kearney found that cashless transactions have "increased substantially" off the back of the proliferation of contactless payments and mobile payments solutions such as Google Pay and Apple Pay. These, it said, are expected to continue to grow year-on-year by more than 21% in emerging markets and 7% in developed markets by 2021 (see below for more information).

Will we see a cashless society by 2023? (1)

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The report presents analysis from countries worldwide. In China, cash made up for only 15% of all payments made through "dominant" mobile payment applications such as Alipay and WeChat Pay, whereas only 45% of all payments made in Russia last year were completed through cashless transactions. On emerging markets, the report identified Rwanda's setting a goal of being cashless by 2024 and South Korea by 2020.

Shifting consumer behaviour

This trends, says A.T. Kearney represents the wider ongoing evolution in consumer behaviour, which it addressed in a previous report, Retail Banking Radar 2019.Here, the consultancy analyses data from close to 100 banks across Europe, finding that one in 10 banks will no longer be in business due to customers using digital banking services like Starling Bank or Monzo. This trend, it says, will drive the shift to a cashless society at pace resulting in significant change in the financial sector.

Global Head of Financial Services at the consultancy said that the global economy is "increasingly powered by digital transactions", adding that over the next few years "the world will see the first truly cashless economies". This he said, "represents an enormous opportunity for banks, but for those established in the days when cash was king, it will require some tough and astute strategic decisions to ensure they thrive in a cashless society."

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Will we see a cashless society by 2023? (2024)

FAQs

How soon will we be a cashless society? ›

Physical currency isn't becoming obsolete any time soon, so it's important to weigh up your options before deciding to go fully cashless in 2024. Ensuring you can accept some cashless payments though, is essential to keeping with today's trends and customer expectations.

Will cash disappear in 2023? ›

Although paper-based currencies are becoming less popular, they will likely stick around for the foreseeable future. Dollars and cents may become harder to use, but as with many obsolete technologies, there are enough users to ensure demand doesn't disappear completely.

What countries are cashless in 2023? ›

Sweden, the first European country to introduce banknotes in 1661, became the world's first cashless society on 24 March 2023. Finland and the UK are top–ranked to become cashless societies as well. Poland, on the other hand, has scrapped plans to limit cash payments to ensure freedom of choice.

How long before cash is obsolete? ›

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.

How close are we to cashless? ›

The US is moving toward cashless payments, with a substantial increase in the use of mobile wallet apps and contactless cards. A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco found that payments made using cash accounted for just 18% of all US payments in 2022.

Which banks are going cashless? ›

An Australian bank will go completely cashless from later this month as it switches to a fully digital offering. Canstar Finance Expert Steve Mickenbecker discusses the clouded future of cash in Australia.

Should I pull all my money out of the bank 2023? ›

In short, if you have less than $250,000 in your account at an FDIC-insured US bank, then you almost certainly have nothing to worry about. Each deposit account owner will be insured up to $250,000 - so, for example, if you have a joint account with your spouse, your money will be insured up to $500,000.

Should I hold cash in 2023? ›

“In fact, despite today's elevated yields for cash vehicles, a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds likely generated superior performance in 2023.” Haworth says investors holding money in cash that is intended to help meet long-term goals should consider ways to put it to work more effectively.

Is the United States going to digital currency? ›

U.S. President Joe Biden ordered officials to look into a digital dollar in 2022 but it has become a divisive political issue with Biden's Republican rival in this year's U.S. election race, Donald Trump, vowing not to allow it.

Which country is 100% 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.

Will China go cashless? ›

China is moving toward a cashless society

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. As the trend continues, China may soon become a cashless economy, where digital payment methods totally replace cash.

What country no longer uses cash? ›

Sweden's move to a cashless society is encouraged by law and in Sweden, a merchant can legally refuse cash payments. Most Swedish banks don't handle cash transactions in-branch and ATMs are not particularly common (with only 32 per 100,000 people, which is low compared to other countries.

Is the US dollar going away? ›

But it is unlikely that there will be any major shift soon. The US economy is not only the largest economy in the world but is also diversified, dynamic, innovative and relatively flexible. While its share of global GDP has fallen, this is due to rising shares of emerging markets.

How long until cashless society? ›

A cashless future enabled by technology

We may not be a cashless society by 2060, much less by 2030. But the fact is we're closer to becoming a nearly cashless society every day. The transition from a mostly cash to nearly cashless society didn't happen overnight.

Should I still keep cash? ›

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.

How long does it take to go cashless? ›

A cashless future enabled by technology

We may not be a cashless society by 2060, much less by 2030. But the fact is we're closer to becoming a nearly cashless society every day.

What would happen if the US went cashless? ›

The Drawbacks of a Cashless Society

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.

Are we ready to go cashless? ›

India cannot become cashless unless this mammoth sector adapts to the digital payments. Incentivizing the people alone is not sufficient. The government needs to develop the supporting infrastructures and technologies for India to become a cashless economy while also providing awareness to its people.

Who suffers in a cashless society? ›

Who is at risk of cashless? Those who live in the country where poor internet connectivity could stop payments. Poor people who rely on cash to ensure that they budget properly. Anyone in an abusive relationship who may lose financial independence without access to cash.

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