Gen Z Shows That Cash Belongs in the Future of Money

Cash has existed for more than 3,000 years, and younger generations are showing why it continues to matter today.

Contrary to the idea that digital natives are abandoning physical money, research across Europe reveals a different reality: 35% of Irish 18–24-year-olds use cash every day; in Germany, younger consumers cite privacy as its greatest strength; and surveys show that up to 90% of Europeans would not bank with an institution that fails to provide cash access.

Helena Müller, VP Banking Europe at Diebold Nixdorf, argues in her sharp piece that the story isn’t “cash versus digital,” but rather the importance of choice. Cash remains central to budgeting, financial literacy, and inclusion — offering security, accessibility, and a tangible connection to value that digital payments cannot fully replace.

This podcast unpacks the evidence, showing how Gen Z is helping secure cash’s place in the future of payments.

Source: Cash and the Next Generation: Why Gen Z Consumers Still Value Physical Money (This article was originally published in Global Banking & Finance Review, Issue 76. All rights remain with the original publisher.)

Note: This podcast was developed using Google’s NotebookLM platform