Questions and answers about cash and its availability
You can find out what role cash still plays in society and the economy today in our Q&A section.
Cash provides immediate purchasing power and enables fast payments. This keeps commerce moving and gives businesses income that is directly available.
In times of crisis, cash remains usable – independently of banks or technology. This strengthens stability and enables a rapid economic recovery.
For small shops, cash is often indispensable because it allows simple and low-cost payments – especially where digital solutions are missing.
Cash is independent of international tensions, cyber risks and system failures. It offers stability and trust – even in uncertain times.
Cash payments avoid many of the fees charged on card or online payments. This reduces operating costs and is a particular relief for small businesses.
Cash requires neither a bank account, nor an app, nor the internet. It can be used anywhere – even without digital infrastructure.
During power or server failures, digital payment is often impossible. Cash still works and remains a reliable means of payment.
In economically unstable times, cash can be used at any time – independently of banks or electronic systems. It remains available even if accounts are frozen or payments are restricted.
Because cash contains no digital data, it cannot be hacked or stolen through online attacks. It is safe from hacking, phishing and data theft.
Cash allows people to physically control the amount available, supports budget control and protects against fraud or technical errors that can occur with digital payments.
Cash can be stolen, but digital fraud often happens unnoticed and on a large scale. Cash fraud is usually easier to detect and prevent.
Cash is simple, familiar and intuitive. It requires no special knowledge or training, so older people can handle it easily.
Many banknotes have different sizes and tactile features that make them easier to identify for blind and partially sighted people, unlike digital payments, which are often hard to follow.
It requires no PINs or passwords, so people with memory problems or cognitive impairments can stay financially active without fear of being locked out.
Cash works independently of smartphones, the internet or bank accounts. This allows people without technical means to manage their financial affairs on their own.
No. Cash transactions leave no digital traces. No personal or financial information is stored or passed on.
Cash offers independence, data protection and security – especially in times of crisis or when there are technical problems. It is and remains a reliable means of payment.
Cash payments remain anonymous and leave no digital traces. This means no data is collected about purchasing behaviour or locations.
People who pay in cash keep an overview of their own budget. Physical money makes it easier to handle spending more consciously and economically.
Cash enables financial self-determination, because payments can be made without surveillance, data sharing or technical dependency.
The association informs the public about the importance of cash for society and the economy, promotes the financial and social inclusion of disadvantaged people and supports the long-term preservation of the cash supply in Switzerland.
Any natural or legal person who supports the purpose of the association can become a member. There are active members with voting rights and passive members (patrons) without voting rights.
The board runs the association’s business, implements its decisions, manages the office, admits or excludes members, prepares the annual report, the annual accounts and the budget, and represents the association externally.
The association distributes information on the subject of cash, holds events and works to ensure that the cash supply in Switzerland is maintained.
No, the Bargeld Schweiz association is politically and denominationally neutral. Its founding members come from industries that are involved, directly or indirectly, in the production and distribution of cash.
