In most Canadian cities, you have ATM/ABM machines in banks open 24/7, in convenience stores, bars and even ATM/ABM only locations. Some cities even have ATM/ABM drive thru. The only convenience area that still lacks the use of an ATM/ABM card is on vending machines. Some do exist but not a common sight yet. To carry cash or go to a bank to withdraw cash first before shopping is nolonger a neccessity. Many major retailers and businesses also allow a CASH BACK transaction with the purchase. This makes it truly convenient when you are strapped for time.

Non Canadians may see debit cards as a security risk and prone to unauthorized transactions. This is certainly an issue but recently our Canadian banks have moved forward in adding a Smart Card CHIP to the debit cards which adds another layer of security on top of the PIN number that users must enter when doing transactions.

Recently a familiy member went back to Japan for a vacation. I was completely surprised to hear that Japan is still a cash society and do not use debit cards. ATM/ABM machines are almost non-existent and hard to locate. Businesses accept credit cards only as an option to paying cash. I would have thought Japan would be a leader in electronic transactions but it is not the case. Revolutionary hi-tech designs are conceived regularly in Japan and used world wide but much of the Japanese culture relies on the preservation of its ancient history and culture. Therefore the use of money is still very important since it is tied to the past and also associated in a religious context. Japan is a cash based society still and will most likely be one for decades to come.

Other countries that still hold on to traditional values would be in a similar situation. The introduction of electronic funds would be an arduous process if individuals prefer to keep their money safely at home instead of in a traditional bank. It’s not about the acceptance of the electronics or hi-tech process but the value and importance placed on the actual physical money. Wealth in some societies is measured by the weight of the currency one posesses. Electronic funds do not have a physical weight that can be placed on an old fashion scale. History has recorded instances of many societies that weighed their money instead of counting it.

Will coins and bills eventually diasappear?

The reason for asking this question is based on an article I had just read on the New York Times website.

I am sure that physical currency will disappear eventually but not anytime soon. Maybe 100 – 150 years down the road I would guess. The significance of currency in its physical form is held dearly by many in the professional and religious circles. Until Sunday church offerings are only accepted through a handheld electronic processing device, we will still require the use of coins and bills in churches. Money in its physical form will still be regarded as a true form of monetary transfer for decades to come.