Cash continues to play a role
Cash use frequency
Cash usage continues to decline as consumers increasingly adopt digital payment methods. However, the findings show that cash remains an important part of the payments ecosystem for many consumers, particularly in certain demographics and use cases. This highlights the continued need for payment choice, accessibility and financial inclusion.
Cash remains part of everyday life
Although digital payments now dominate many consumer transactions, cash continues to play a meaningful role in everyday spending habits. While some consumers rarely use cash or have stopped using it altogether, others continue to rely on it regularly for budgeting, convenience or personal preference.
The findings demonstrate that the UK’s transition towards a cash-light society is progressing at different speeds across the population. Variations in cash usage can be seen across age groups, regions and socioeconomic segments, suggesting that no single payment method meets the needs of all consumers. As payment behaviours continue to evolve, maintaining access to both cash and digital options remains an important consideration for the wider payments ecosystem.
Findings
Cash remains part of everyday spending
While digital payment methods now dominate many consumer transactions, cash continues to play a role in day-to-day spending habits. The frequency with which consumers use cash varies considerably, with some relying on it regularly and others using it only occasionally.
The findings suggest that cash usage is becoming more selective rather than disappearing altogether. Patterns differ across demographic groups and regions, indicating that consumer behaviour is influenced by a combination of personal preference, circumstance and payment needs. Despite the growth of digital alternatives, cash remains part of the payment mix for many UK consumers.
Use cash at least once a month
Payments Intelligence analysis
"There's an interesting divergence around cash use: overall, fewer people are using cash regularly, whilst those who do use it are doing so more often."
James Hurren, data journalist
Key insight
Where you live matters less than who you are
While regional differences in cash usage are visible across the UK, the findings suggest that geography is not the primary factor influencing how often consumers use cash. Consumers in every region continue to use cash for at least some everyday purchases, despite the growing popularity of digital payment methods.
The relatively consistent patterns observed across regions indicate that the shift towards digital payments is a national trend rather than one confined to specific areas. Variations do exist, but they are generally less pronounced than those seen across age groups, income levels and other demographic characteristics. This suggests that consumer behaviour is increasingly shaped by individual circumstances and preferences rather than location alone.