Study finds cash benefits to economy nearly triple its cost
Executive summary: A study released by Handelsblatt on June 24 2026 found that cash generates almost three times its economic cost to the German economy. The result underscores cash’s lingering macro‑economic value despite a clear trend toward digital payments.
Who is involved: Researchers behind the Handelsblatt study (unnamed team) and the Bundesbank, whose prior work on payment habits provides context.
Likely next: Policymakers may revisit cash‑support initiatives, and payment‑industry stakeholders could adjust strategies to preserve cash infrastructure.
A Handelsblatt‑cited study concludes that the economic value generated by cash in Germany is almost three times higher than the costs of its use, driven mainly by two unspecified factors. The finding comes amid a broader trend of declining cash usage as card and mobile payments grow. While the study highlights cash’s macro‑economic relevance, it does not prescribe specific policy actions.
Timeline
- — Geld: Studie: Bargeld bringt der Wirtschaft fast dreimal so viel, wie es sie kostet (Handelsblatt)
- — Bundesbank-Studie: Menschen in Deutschland zahlen überwiegend ohne Bargeld (Handelsblatt)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Further academic research on cash‑vs‑digital cost‑benefit
Sectors affected
- Financial services
- Retail
- Payment systems
Regulatory implications
- Review of cash‑handling cost assessments
Historical parallels
- Earlier Bundesbank reports on cash usage decline
- EU debates on limiting cash transactions for anti‑money‑laundering