Cash vs Click, Is Cash Still King? Episode 487

On today’s show, Niall asks: Are we ready to swap cash for a digital euro—or should hard currency always have a place in our pockets?

With the President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, confirming that key decisions on a digital euro are coming in September, and ECB President Christine Lagarde pushing for the euro to rival the dollar globally, the debate is heating up. Many of us already live cashless lives with online banking and card payments, but is the shift inevitable—or too risky?

Niall hears from callers across the country with strong opinions. Some listeners welcome the idea, saying digital money is safer, more convenient, and already part of everyday life. One caller joked they wouldn’t even know where their local ATM is anymore. Another argued it would be easier for governments to crack down on tax evasion and money laundering.

But not everyone’s convinced. Parents and older callers expressed fears about losing independence if cash disappears, worrying that digital-only systems leave people vulnerable to scams, technical failures, or even surveillance. One caller shared their frustration at shops refusing to accept cash, saying it leaves people without bank cards unfairly excluded.

So, will cash still be around in five years—or is the digital euro set to take over our wallets completely? Niall and his listeners dive into the future of money, weighing the promises of convenience against the risks of leaving coins and notes behind.