Source?

Also how is it related to the EU if it only affects certain places? Could have just said certain places in Europe

Illegal would by a hyperbole. But the noose is tightening a bit.

There are upcoming limits for cash transactions (10K, countries can opt to go lower), and strong requirements for identity verification at 3K or more euros in cash.

See: https://www.deloittelegal.de/dl/en/services/legal/perspectiv...

EDIT: The other side of the coin is that banks are _required_ to give legal residents of a country a basic account that can be used for payments.

Also illegal in Denmark. You need a NemKonto by law. Also making cash payments over 15000 is illegal since 2024. So you can't make a large purchase without a bank transfer.

Such a huge invasion of privacy.

Not illegal per se in Germany but you won't find a legal job that doesn't require you to have a bank account. Benefits will also only be paid electronically (exceptions for some asylum seekers apply).

You also cannot get a tax refund or pay taxes without a bank account.

Spain: you must be paid through a bank if you

-have a steady contract -are paid more than 1000€ for a job (say you are self-employed).

Completely illegal in Spain if you have a paid job.

Not sure how it works in countries that didn't go through 80 years of socialism, but I assume that you're saying that in those countries, your salary is required to go to your bank account and can't be paid in cash. Then you can still pretty much "stick to cash" by withdrawing the whole thing on your payday. But then idk, maybe everyone in those countries is aware of the risks related to keeping their money in a bank, it's just the internet banking that introduces the new ones for them.

>Then you can still pretty much "stick to cash" by withdrawing the whole thing on your payday.

Not if you want to make a purchase beyond a small amount, like $500 or $1000. Then it has to be through some fucking bank or CC.

All withdrawals of more than 1000€ in Spain must be accounted for and more than 5000€ must be authorized.

You "may" but maybe you "cannot".