Despite recent instant payments initiatives, the Swiss National Bank reported that cash is still the most widely accepted payment method among businesses in the country.
Roughly 98% of the 770 companies surveyed by the central bank said they accepted physical payment, primarily citing customer demand. Many businesses also believe cash is more stable and less expensive than many other payment options.
The Swiss National Bank’s survey included businesses from a variety of industries, including retailers, transportation companies, service providers, and entertainment venues. According to Reuters, the survey found that the overwhelming sentiment among business owners was they “continue to view cash as important.”
Standing Apart
While many of its EU neighbors have readily adopted emerging payment methods, Switzerland has stood apart. One challenge is the country’s shrinking bank network, which has decreased by 21% over the last decade. According to Reuters, UBS plans to close 85 additional branches next year, after its recent acquisition of Credit Suisse.
There have been concerns that the lack of access to the financial system could marginalize portions of the population if the country moves away from cash. It’s not uncommon for Swiss customers to make large transactions, including purchasing automobiles, using physical bills. Notably, the country offers some of the highest-value notes in the world—the 1,000 Swiss franc note ($1,166).
The Costs of Cash
The results of the Swiss National Bank’s survey come shortly after the central bank announced that it made significant strides in establishing an instant payments network among 60 financial institutions in Switzerland. The bank aims to have every bank in the country on board within the next two years.
These efforts have been amplified by some Swiss regulators encouraging alternatives to cash payments. There are also indications that some Swiss public transportation companies could soon limit cash acceptance.
However, many Swiss businesses have pushed back, citing the costs associated with accepting cash, including bank and cash transport fees, as outweighing the benefits. Despite these efforts, the Swiss National Bank’s survey shows that most businesses and consumers in the country remain largely unaffected by the shift away from cash.
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