De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) published results of a commissioned survey on Dutch attitudes to cash and euro banknotes, finding broad public support for maintaining the ability to pay with cash even as day-to-day cash usage continues to decline. An overwhelming majority of respondents (92%) view the option to pay with cash as socially important, while 74% consider it personally important that cash payments remain possible in shops and other public places. The survey shows 61% of respondents never or rarely use cash in shops, rising to 71% among 18–29 year olds, who also attach less personal importance to being able to pay with cash (65% versus 74% overall). Despite lower usage, 68% usually carry banknotes and 73% carry coins, down from 79% and 81% in 2023, with older people more likely to carry cash. DNB also linked the findings to the National Forum on the Payment System’s emergency-preparedness advice to keep cash at home (EUR 70 per adult and EUR 30 per child); 59% reported already having emergency cash at home and 79% of those held more than EUR 70. Demand for higher denomination notes increased slightly versus 2023 (EUR 100: 22%, EUR 200: 8%, EUR 500: 5%), while confidence in banknote authenticity remained high, with an average reliability rating of 8.0 and respondents typically able to name two or three security features. DNB noted it has commissioned this survey since the early 1980s and monitors these developments every two years.
De Nederlandsche Bank 2025-06-19
De Nederlandsche Bank survey finds 92% of Dutch respondents consider cash acceptance socially important
De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) released a survey indicating strong public support for maintaining cash payment options in the Netherlands, despite declining usage. The survey found 92% of respondents view cash payments as socially important, with 74% considering it personally important. Additionally, 59% of respondents keep emergency cash at home, aligning with the National Forum on the Payment System's recommendations.