Is physical money disappearing? What to expect from the digital economy by 2030

Have you noticed how long it's been since you've had cash? If it used to be common to carry notes in your wallet, today the cell phone has become the new wallet. Pix, proximity cards, QR codes, digital wallets, instant transfers... everything is going digital.

But that raises an important question: is physical money really disappearing? And if so, what does this mean for the economy, for small businesses, for the population in general?

In this post, we're going to talk about the future of money and what we can expect from the digital economy by 2030. Get ready for a scenario that has already begun to change - and will change even more.

The use of cash is decreasing

That's the reality: fewer and fewer people use cash.

In Brazil, the use of banknotes and coins has fallen rapidly, especially after the pandemic. The need to avoid physical contact has driven digital payments. And the Pix has come to bury the idea that "only money is practical".

Today, it's common to find even street vendors who accept Pix, machines or payment links.

According to data from the Central Bank, cash transactions have fallen by around 40% in the last five years. At the same time, the use of Pix has exploded. And the proximity card has become the standard.

In many European countries, such as Sweden and Norway, cash is practically a symbol of antiquity. And Brazil is moving fast in the same direction.

Why are we using less and less money?

1# Practicality
You don't have to look for change, carry notes or worry about counterfeit bills. You can pay for everything with your cell phone.

2# Security
Without cash in your pocket, the risk of robbery or loss of value decreases. It's easier to block an account than to recover a stolen note.

3# Financial control
Banking apps show you what you've spent, when and where. This helps you keep track of your finances - something that cash never made easy.

4# Digital inclusion
With the growth of digital accounts, even those who previously didn't have access to the banking system can now receive, pay and sell using just a cell phone.

Will the day come when physical money runs out?

Maybe not completely. There are still a lot of people who depend on it. Small traders, people with limited access to the internet or those who simply prefer to deal with the tangible.

But what seems certain is that the use of physical money will become increasingly rareand perhaps, soon, seen as something old.

By 2030, the trend is for the majority of transactions to be 100% digital. Even in areas that are still resisting today.

What can we expect from the digital economy by 2030?

What lies ahead is not just a change of payment method. It's a complete transformation in the way we deal with money. Here's what to expect:

1# Increasingly invisible payments

You walk into a store, pick up what you want and walk out - without going through the checkout. Sound futuristic? But it already exists. Facial recognition technology, sensors and integration with digital wallets will allow automatic payments, without even having to pull out your cell phone.

By 2030, paying will become so integrated that you may not even realize you're paying.

2# Official digital currencies

The Central Bank is already testing the Drexthe digital version of the real. It's a digital currency issued by the government, like the money you already know - but which only exists online.

Other countries already have similar initiatives. The idea is to facilitate transactions, reduce costs and bring more transparency to the financial system.

Drex is expected to become popular by the end of the decade and could even change the way the government pays benefits, salaries and makes public transfers.

3# Increasingly digital banks

Digital banks are going to dominate the market. We're already seeing this with Nubank, C6, Inter, Neon and many others.

By 2030, it's possible that the physical bank branch will become a rarity - or even disappear altogether.

Service will be provided by artificial intelligence, contracts will be digital, and you'll be able to resolve everything through the app, with just a few clicks.

4# Integration with social networks and messengers

Do you already send Pix via WhatsApp? By 2030, paying for products and services via Instagram, TikTok and other apps will be even more common.

Social networks will incorporate payment systems - and many businesses will operate directly there, without needing a website, store or structure.

5# Growth of microtransactions and the creative economy

With the ease with which small amounts can be received and transferred, the creative economy. Musicians, designers, content producers, teachers and freelancers will monetize easily - getting paid in real time for short services, tips, videos or mentoring.

You can pay R$ 2, R$ 5, R$ 10 for exclusive content, advice or audio. And that will make a lot of money.

6# Debureaucratization of credit and services

Artificial intelligence and data analysis will allow banks and fintechs to release credit quickly, in a personalized way and with less paperwork.

By 2030, taking out a loan will be as simple as ordering a ride via an app. Risks will be calculated based on consumer behavior - not just credit scores.

This could help millions of people who are currently invisible to the traditional financial system.

And who can be left out of this new economy?

Despite all the progress, there are risks.

Anyone who doesn't have access to the internet, a cell phone or digital knowledge can be left behind. That's why digital inclusion needs to go hand in hand with economic evolution.

The challenge is to ensure that no one is excluded for lack of technology. Governments, banks and companies will play an important role in this.

Another point is privacy. With everything being done digitally, the volume of data circulating is growing. We need to guarantee security and protection for the user.

What about physical money, will it become a relic?

Maybe so. Maybe in 2030 you'll still find notes and coins - but they'll be kept by collectors, or circulating in small local markets.

The tendency is for paper money to become something symbolic, almost nostalgic.

Like the tokens in the phone booth or analog cameras, physical money will still exist, but it will no longer be the main protagonist.

How can we prepare for this future?

You don't need to be a technology expert to keep up with this transformation. But you do need to be aware of it:

• Have at least one reliable digital account
• Learn how to use Pix, digital wallets and banking apps
• Keep your data safe and passwords secure
• Keep up with changes in the financial system (such as Drex)
• Help those around you to go digital too

The digital economy won't wait. And the sooner you adapt, the more comfortable you'll be in this new scenario.

See also: How to save money: 6 tips for saving safely

March 22nd, 2025