Background & Purpose

As digital payments have become dominant, many people have found it increasingly difficult to use physical cash for everyday needs. This change aims to ensure that cash remains a reliable and accessible payment option for everyone.

Proposals & Debate

The proposal mandates that grocery stores and pharmacies must accept cash at staffed checkouts. Additionally, banks are required to provide accessible locations for cash deposits and services for businesses to manage their daily cash flow.

The Decision

The parliament passed the law, ensuring that essential businesses must accept cash and that banks must support cash handling, starting July 1, 2026. They also requested that the government investigate if public services should be included in these requirements.

Does this affect you?

  • Cash-dependent consumers: People who prefer or rely on cash will be able to pay for groceries and medicine more easily.
  • Small business owners: Retailers and service providers will have clearer rules and better access to banking services for their daily cash management.

In Practice

  • Grocery stores and pharmacies must accept cash at staffed registers.
  • Banks are required to offer cash deposit services across the country.
  • Businesses will have better access to services for handling change and depositing daily earnings.
  • The government will investigate if public services should also be required to accept cash.