In a world racing toward digital payments, France is holding on to cash and the attachment is only growing stronger.

A new survey conducted by the Banque de France revealed that not only is cash still widely used across the country, but many French citizens have developed a deeper emotional connection to physical money.

Results: The Frequency of Cash Usage

• Cash remains the most used payment method in physical retail
• Many French people prefer cash for its privacy, security, and ease of use
• There’s a strong emotional and cultural attachment to physical currency
• Rural areas and older populations show particularly high levels of cash usage

In short: cash isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.

Results: Growing Attachment to Cash Payments

While digital wallets and contactless cards are growing globally, France is pushing back against a fully digital future. Consumers cite several reasons for choosing cash:

• Control over spending

• Protection from data tracking

• Trust in physical assets

• Better inclusion for people without access to banking apps or smartphones

And unlike in some countries, there’s little public appetite for a cashless society in France. Policymakers are taking note—and protecting access to cash remains a national priority.

The Functional Advantages of Cash

The survey highlights numerous advantages of cash, contributing to its strong attachment among the French population. For 94% of respondents, cash is essential for teaching children the value of money, which may explain the high attachment levels among the younger generation. Amid rising concerns about personal data security, 92% see cash as a reliable way to protect their privacy. The recent inflation surge has also underscored cash’s economic benefits: 87% of respondents agree that cash incurs no additional costs, and 82% believe it helps manage budgets better. These factors make cash a reassuring payment method, bolstering its popularity.

Rejection of a Cashless Society

The survey reveals a clear rejection of a cashless society among the French. If digital transactions were the only option, 87% of respondents believe their privacy would be increasingly controlled, 82% think it would exacerbate inequalities, and 80% feel it would harm social interactions. The idea of a cashless world is overwhelmingly rejected, with 83% expressing concern about the potential disappearance of cash, up from 81% in 2022. Even among those who prefer digital payments, a significant majority (72%) is worried about losing cash.

Who are the Researchers Behind the Study (Ifop)

Ifop (French Institute of Public Opinion) is a leading market research and opinion polling organization based in France. Established in 1938, Ifop specializes in collecting and analysing data to provide insights into public opinion, consumer behaviour, and market trends. The institute conducts a wide range of surveys and studies across various sectors, including politics, economics, healthcare, and social issues, helping businesses, governments, and organizations make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information. Ifop is renowned for its methodological rigor and reliability, making it an internationally trusted source of data and analysis.

If the French population have anything to say about it, cash is here to stay. Coins and notes remain the most trusted payment methods the country has. The attachment to cash is strengthening due to its perceived advantages, leading to a clear rejection of a cashless society. Despite the variety of digital payment options, cash continues to play a crucial role in the daily lives of the French people.

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