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The effects of negative interest rates on cash usage: Evidence for EU countries

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  • Liñares-Zegarra, José M.
  • Willesson, Magnus

Abstract

Changes in interest rates below the zero lower bound could have potential effects on the payments market by making cash more attractive for consumers as a medium of payment and wealth storage. This paper studies how cash usage has been affected by the recent introduction of negative interest rates in European countries. Using a difference-in-differences methodology over the period 2006–2018, results show an increase in cash usage in negative interest-rate environments. We also find that the increase in cash usage was less pronounced in countries with superior monitoring capacity of banks (i.e. high levels of financial intermediation).

Suggested Citation

  • Liñares-Zegarra, José M. & Willesson, Magnus, 2021. "The effects of negative interest rates on cash usage: Evidence for EU countries," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolet:v:198:y:2021:i:c:s0165176520304341
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econlet.2020.109674
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Edoardo Rainone, 2022. "Currency demand at negative policy rates," Temi di discussione (Economic working papers) 1359, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    2. Kotkowski, Radoslaw & Polasik, Michal, 2021. "COVID-19 pandemic increases the divide between cash and cashless payment users in Europe," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).
    3. Avignone, Giuseppe & Girardone, Claudia & Pancaro, Cosimo & Pancotto, Livia & Reghezza, Alessio, 2022. "Making a virtue out of necessity: the effect of negative interest rates on bank cost efficiency," Working Paper Series 2718, European Central Bank.
    4. Ilona Skibińska-Fabrowska & Małgorzata Czuchryta & Adrian Żak, 2023. "The relationship between payment inclusion and the demand for cash," Bank i Kredyt, Narodowy Bank Polski, vol. 54(4), pages 365-388.

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