Geneva for Cash: Cash Acceptance Becomes Mandatory
“We do not accept cash!” — this statement has become increasingly common in restaurants, cafés, retail stores, and hotels. However, Geneva is now putting a stop to this trend: cash payments must continue to be accepted.
The Right Motivation
The news from Switzerland in October 2025 made the hearts of cash enthusiasts beat faster: a new law in Geneva now requires retailers, hospitality businesses, hotels, and others to accept cash payments. According to Swiss media outlets, the displacement of cash had already gone too far. The Neue Zürcher Zeitung reported, for example, that the railway company BLS sells train and bus tickets at its own machines only via card or app payments — and this as a semi-state-owned company.
Anyone assuming that this initiative came from an older parliament member would be mistaken. The effort was launched and driven by a 30-year-old parliamentarian. Suggesting that support for cash is limited to older, cash-affine demographics is simply wrong. The true motivation behind the mandatory cash acceptance law is freedom of choice.
A Pioneer for Inclusion
While payment behavior in most countries continues to shift toward cashless transactions, there remains — especially in Germany — a strong belief that there should be a future for and with cash. The German Bundesbank also confirmed this in its April 2025 monthly report.
Geneva shares this view. Not everyone uses digital payment methods — whether for privacy reasons, technical insecurity, or simply out of habit. Cash remains accessible and inclusive, suitable for children, elderly people, or those without a bank account.
The parliament also emphasized the economic advantages. Accepting cash not only increases customer satisfaction but can also build trust and drive impulse purchases — particularly among tourists and occasional customers.
Positive Public Opinion
The practical benefits of this approach are reflected in a Blick editorial survey. According to the poll, 75 percent of respondents support the new cash law. For them, cash remains essential in their everyday lives. Another 16 percent appreciate having the freedom to choose how to pay — whether at the checkout, in a restaurant, or when staying overnight. Only 7 percent see the regulation as a step backward, while 2 percent expressed indifference toward the new legal requirement.
In Germany, many consumers also say that freedom of choice is key to a positive shopping experience — though the situation differs somewhat: here, one more often encounters the sign “Cash only!” According to a Bitkom e.V. survey conducted last year on contactless payments, three-quarters of respondents said they were annoyed when stores accepted only cash. Therefore, in addition to cash, at least one electronic payment option should be available — so that customers can decide for themselves.
Mastering Cash Management
Despite all its benefits, the concerns of retailers, restaurateurs, and hoteliers are understandable. Cash management involves time and costs for counting, transport, security, and bookkeeping — especially if the underlying processes are still largely analog.
However, these challenges can be addressed with modern cash management solutions. Digital tools build on existing cash processes and transform them. This enables real-time monitoring, precise control, as well as improved efficiency and security in cash logistics. For example, ALVARA Interactive Cash Control allows for digital and automated management of safes, cash deposits, and change orders while connecting all stakeholders involved in the cash process. This makes it easier for operators to offer cash payments voluntarily — without fearing excessive costs or effort.
Cash – More Than Coins and Banknotes
Cash is more than just a means of payment — it is a part of infrastructure. It ensures resilience in times of crisis when digital systems fail and protects against the monopolization of individual payment providers. A mandatory acceptance policy could help stabilize regional cash cycles and maintain access to cash in the long term. Above all, it respects consumers’ wishes to continue choosing their preferred method of payment.