The first known form of currency--the Mesopotamian shekel--emerged nearly 5,000 years ago and cash has been used to purchase goods and services ever since. Until recently, it was a safe bet that cash would be around for the foreseeable future...that may not be the case anymore.

A cashless society is a common theme in science fiction novels. But with the rise of digital banking and cryptocurrencies, together with global crises and tech-savvy consumer demand, those works of fiction are becoming closer to fact. Cash is not going away, at least not anytime soon, but the popularity of non-cash transactions continues to grow.

For some time now, cash has taken a backseat to credit and debit cards in America, and digital and mobile banking has been evolving. The events of the past few years have only accelerated the transformation of more and better digital banking services, digital wallets, and other digital solutions to fill customer and member needs. Those credit unions who adapted and enhanced their digital banking platforms likely satisfied and maintained their members, but some might wonder if digital banking will replace all in-person transactions and maybe even cash itself.

Digital payments and technologies are reshaping how people all over the world spend money--to the point where some economists are debating the future of cash. It’s not just the widespread use of credit and debit cards, but the rise of digital wallets, digital banking apps, direct deposits, instantaneous peer-to-peer payments and digital lending services that are solving people’s banking needs, and as a result, making cash less common.

Although mobile banking and digital wallets existed before the pandemic, their capacity to enable contactless transactions has sent their usage soaring. Today people are buying groceries, sending money to friends, shopping and even applying for loans from their mobile phone, tablet, or computers.

Let’s take a look at why mobile banking and digital wallets have become so popular and why they are here to stay.