The European Central Bank suggests households in the EU to keep cash at home to be prepared in case of crises, considering recent vulnerabilities.

A study by the ECB highlights the importance of keeping cash at home, especially in the context of recent crises such as the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Countries like the Netherlands, Austria, and Finland recommend that citizens have between 70 and 100 euros at home. The ECB believes that cash is essential for resilience in the face of disruptions to digital payment systems. Although digital payments are on the rise, the demand for cash increases during periods of uncertainty, underscoring the need to maintain access to banknotes and coins.