Post
Topic
Board Economics
Re: How long will it take banks to phase out physical cash completely?
by
jaysabi
on 12/12/2020, 06:43:27 UTC
As we enter the digital realm due to the effects of COVID-19, the process of central banks phasing out physical cash from existence might take place soon. Before the outbreak, we've been accustomed in using credit/debit cards and contactless payments greatly eliminating the need for physical cash. Now that we're in a "COVID Era", things have accelerated quite a bit. Banks and governments are in talks of adopting CBDCs which could completely eliminate the need to pay for things with physical cash.

Now the real question is, how long will it take banks to start the transition from physical to digital cash (CBDC)? Do you think that physical cash will still be used right after governments adopt CBDCs in their entirety? Or will it take decades before every single person in the world stops transacting with physical cash, paving the way for a full-fledged cashless society? Your input will be greatly appreciated. Smiley

Sweden is currently looking at the possibility of moving to a digital currency (announced just recently) with an analysis they expect to be ready by November 2022.  Their central bank already runs a pilot program to introduce an electronic krona based on blockchain.  I don't think it would be too hard to implement these days.  The vast majority of money in the US is already digital.  Far more digital fiat exists than physical at this point, so in some regards we've been moving to a digital currency for decades already, ever since electronic payments started.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-12-11/sweden-explores-the-feasibility-of-moving-to-a-digital-currency