As big banks push for cashless society, neobanks take a different approach (2024)

The news: While big banks close their branches, neobanks are stepping in to serve cash-only customers.

Cash is disappearing: The move to digital banking, fast-tracked by the pandemic, created an upheaval regarding the availability of cash—or rather, the lack thereof.

  • Before the pandemic, the percentage of cashless businesses was low. The US was at 8% and the UK notched 10%. Those percentages jumped to 31% and 60% respectively, as of March 2021, per Square.
  • Cash made up 18% of point-of-sale transactions globally in 2021, according to FIS’ Global Payments Report. And FIS expects global cash transactions to decline to 10% by 2025.
  • Many banks have moved away from using ATMs and instead direct customers toward mobile banking, credit and debit cards, and real-time payments.

Banks are also cutting costs where they can to enhance their tech budgets. And digitizing means shuttering physical locations.

  • On average, US branches cost between $200,000 and $400,000 per year to run, according to Mercator Advisory Group figures cited by Reuters.
  • More than 200 UK bank branches have closed this year, with another 272 scheduled to close by December, per FinExtra.
  • And between 2012 and 2021, the number of US bank and credit union branches shrank by 16.1% to 76,964, according to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) data.

Neobanks fill the gap: But as cash becomes less accessible through traditional means, neobanks see an opportunity to step in.

  • Most neobanks offer access to ATMs to withdraw cash from their accounts.
  • Some neobanks, like Current, Chime, and Varo Bank, also let customers deposit cash into their accounts by visiting locations like CVS and Walmart.

And while ATMs might become harder to find over time, it wouldn’t be surprising if more neobanks let customers make withdrawals at similar locations.

The big takeaway: Banks are pushing for a cashless society, mostly because they would benefit from having full control over consumers’ financial lives. But a cashless society won’t happen overnight—if ever.

  • More than 5 million adults in the UK rely on cash as their primary payment method, per the Bank of England.
  • A slew of trades, like bartending, food service, and contracting, earn a portion of their income as cash.
  • In the US, 6.2% of rural households are unbanked, according to a report by the FDIC, and banks continue to shutter in those areas.

Rather than alienating these customers from the economy, neobanks are seizing the opportunity to connect with them—and may be the very thing that keeps them afloat. That seems like an effective way to gain customer loyalty.

As big banks push for cashless society, neobanks take a different approach (1)As big banks push for cashless society, neobanks take a different approach (2)

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As big banks push for cashless society, neobanks take a different approach (2024)

FAQs

As big banks push for cashless society, neobanks take a different approach? ›

As big banks push for cashless society, neobanks take a different approach. The news: While big banks close their branches, neobanks are stepping in to serve cash-only customers.

How are neobanks better than traditional banks? ›

Neo banks offer these benefits: They provide easy-to-use platforms for banking and non-banking services. They upgrade their technology regularly to offer the latest features and facilities and offer a seamless experience to customers. They are more affordable than traditional banks.

What are the downsides of a cashless society? ›

The downsides of going cashless include less privacy, greater exposure to hacking, technological dependency, magnifying economic inequality, and more. Credit and debit cards, electronic payment apps, mobile payment services, and virtual currencies in use today could pave the way to a fully cashless society.

How can banks compete with neobanks? ›

To compete with fintech companies and neobanks, you need to ensure that your bank is poised to offer high-quality, secure digital services to new and existing customers.

Which bank is not going cashless? ›

All of the Big Four banks - Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB - have ruled out going cashless. However, hundreds of bank branches and ATMs have been closing across the country. Supermarkets Coles and Woolworths have also reduced the amount of cash that customers can withdraw.

What are the weaknesses of neobanks? ›

Security concerns: Neobanks are relatively new, and their security measures may not be as well-established as those of traditional banks. Additionally, customers may be more vulnerable to online fraud and hacking.

Who has the best banking system in the world? ›

Banking system z-scores, 2021:
CountriesBanking system z-scores, 2021Global rank
Luxembourg51.671
Jordan50.112
New Zealand44.783
Morocco42.44
109 more rows

Is the US going cashless? ›

The US is moving toward cashless payments, with a substantial increase in the use of mobile wallet apps and contactless cards. A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco found that payments made using cash accounted for just 18% of all US payments in 2022.

How close are we to a cashless society? ›

11% of US adults have completely stopped using cash, up from 5% five years ago (Source: Gallup) The average number of cash payments fell from 26% in 2019 to 20% in 2021 (Source: Federal Reserve) Between 2012 and 2022, cheque transactions declined by almost half (Source: Federal Reserve)

Why are people against cashless society? ›

Cashless society: disadvantages

Rural communities could also be left vulnerable, because of poor broadband and mobile connectivity. People with low income or debt tend to find cash easier to manage too. Another potential disadvantage concerns security.

Why are neobanks closing? ›

The futures of Neobanks

A vote amongst their board of directors led to the shut down of the company, following insufficient funds being raised for plans to write mortgages.

Will traditional banks survive? ›

It remains unclear whether traditional banking will become extinct soon; however, what is certain is that its role will continue to evolve if it is going to survive in this ever-changing landscape of finance.

Are neobanks risky? ›

Neobanks are frequently partnered with other, larger financial institutions. This gives the neobank access to certain depository services as well as protection under the other bank's umbrella. So, while neobanks are fintech companies — not banks — they tend to be as safe as other financial institutions.

Are the Big 4 banks going cashless? ›

Are other major Aussie banks going cashless? Westpac, ANZ, CommBank and NAB have ruled out going cashless, but the banks have shuttered branches across regional Australia, leaving some customers without the option to bank with cash.

Will they get rid of cash? ›

While the future demand for cash is uncertain, it is unlikely that cash will die out any time soon. The new £5 note, which entered circulation in September 2016, was our first note to be printed on polymer – a thin, flexible plastic. The £10 note followed in 2017.

Are banks stopping cash withdrawals? ›

Key Takeaways. Regulation D was a federal law that limited the number of withdrawals or transfers you could make from a savings or money market account. That law was suspended in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, however, some banks still have withdrawal limits.

What is the advantage of Neo bank? ›

Pros & cons of neobanks
Pros ✅Cons ❎
SpeedNo branch network
ConvenienceConfidence
Cost savingsSecurity
Technological advantages

Why is online banking better than traditional banking? ›

Lower fees: Since online banks have lower overhead costs than traditional banks, they typically offer no or low fees for their bank accounts. Competitive product offerings: Online banks may offer more competitive interest rates for savings accounts or investment products, or better rewards for their credit cards.

What are the advantages of Internet banking over traditional banking? ›

Online banking offers convenience, 24/7 access, and lower fees. Traditional banking provides in-person services and personalized assistance. The choice depends on individual preferences and needs.

Why are neobanks successful? ›

Neobanks Successful Over Traditional Banking

These digital-only banks that use fintech to offer better, faster, and cheaper financial services than traditional banks. They have lower fees, higher rates, and more convenience for customers and businesses.

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