A year ago, Spain faced a large-scale digital payment outage: regular bank cards, mobile apps, and even ATMs became unavailable. At that moment, cash was the only way to pay for goods and services. This experience prompted the Bank of Spain to issue a new recommendation: keep a certain amount of cash at home for each family member.

According to the Bank of Spain, the optimal reserve is between 70 and 100 euros per person. This supply does not replace modern payment methods, but ensures you are not dependent on technology and the internet in case of another outage. For a family of four, this means keeping between 280 and 400 euros on hand to cover basic expenses for a few days.

The practical value of cash

The recommendation does not signal a return to the past or a rejection of digital services. The point is simple: in an emergency, it is crucial to be able to buy food, medicine, or pay for transport, even if electronic systems are temporarily down. As the Bank of Spain highlights, cash is the only means of payment independent of electricity, connectivity, or equipment.

Last year, when the outage happened, Bank of Central Europe data shows that card payments dropped by 41–42% compared to regular days, while online purchases fell by 54%. Overall consumer spending in the country declined by a third during the incident. In these circumstances, cash became not just a convenience but a necessity.

How to calculate the amount for a family

The Bank of Spain provides a simple guideline: for each family member — from 70 to 100 euros. For an individual — the minimum reserve, for a couple — from 140 to 200 euros, for a family of four — from 280 to 400 euros. The key is not to accumulate large amounts, but to ensure a small but sufficient reserve for a few days.

The advice to keep cash applies not only to adults, but also to children if they make purchases independently. At the same time, the Bank of Spain emphasizes: this is not about completely giving up digital payments, but about maintaining a reasonable balance between convenience and preparedness for unforeseen situations.

European experience and new solutions

Spain is not the only country where the need for cash in case of crisis is being discussed. In Sweden, the central bank has recommended that every family keep at least 1,000 kronor (about 90 euros) in cash. The European Commission advises citizens to have a reserve of money, water, food, and medicines to last at least 72 hours without outside help — whether due to natural disasters, cyberattacks, or other emergencies.

In parallel, alternative solutions are being developed in Europe: for example, the digital euro project, which in the future could allow payments even without access to the internet or electricity. However, until such technologies are implemented, cash remains the only universal means of payment when the entire infrastructure is down.

What else is important to consider

The Bank of Spain reminds: it’s advisable to keep cash not just at home, but also to carry a small amount with you in case of unforeseen circumstances outside the house. At the same time, it is important to follow basic safety measures and not keep large sums in one place.

Issues of financial stability and preparedness for disruptions are becoming increasingly relevant. As Talent24h notes, such recommendations do not arise by chance: they reflect the experience of recent crises and the desire to minimize risks for ordinary families. It’s important to remember that even with the development of digital services, you should not rely entirely on a single method of payment.

The topic of a financial cushion and protection against unexpected expenses is becoming increasingly prominent in Spain’s agenda. For example, there is discussion about how new tax rules might affect the income of even those who earn minimum wage — you can learn more about this in the article on new payroll deductions at the SMI level.

In conclusion, the Bank of Spain’s advice is simple: don’t give up on modern technologies, but always have a small cash reserve — it can be crucial at the most unexpected moment.