Cash has long been seen as simple, dependable and private. Across Europe, many people still use it for major purchases, from cars to renovation work. But that tradition is about to change.
From 2027, the European Union will introduce a single cash payment limit across all member states. Once the new rule comes into force, no payment above €10,000 will be allowed in cash anywhere in the EU.
Anything over that amount will have to be paid using a traceable method such as a bank transfer or card.
Cash: One rule for all EU countries
This will be the first time a shared cash limit applies across all 27 EU nations, replacing the current mix of national rules.
It will apply equally in Spain, Germany, France, Italy and the rest of the bloc.
The aim is to clamp down on money laundering, tax evasion and large untraceable transactions, which are easier to carry out when big sums change hands in cash.
Some countries already live with limits
For places like Spain, the change will feel fairly minor. Cash payments over €1,000 are already banned when one party is a business or professional, a rule that has been in place for years.
France and Italy also operate with tight restrictions, meaning most large purchases are already done electronically.
Elsewhere, however, the impact will be far greater. Countries such as Germany, Austria and the Netherlands have traditionally allowed very high cash payments, often arguing that cash protects privacy and personal freedom.
Once the EU-wide limit arrives, those countries will have to change their laws to match it.
What will actually change for people?
Day-to-day spending will stay the same. Buying groceries, paying for meals or covering small services in cash won’t be affected.
Where it will matter is for big purchases. From 2027, you won’t be able to:
- buy a car with large amounts of cash
- pay for major building or renovation work in cash above €10,000
- purchase expensive jewellery, art or luxury items using banknotes
This will also apply to expats and non-residents, even in countries that currently allow higher cash payments for foreign buyers.
Why Brussels is pushing the change
EU officials say large cash transactions leave no digital trail, making them attractive for hiding income and moving illegal funds. A single limit across Europe is meant to stop criminals from exploiting countries with looser rules.
The EU insists it is not trying to abolish cash, only restrict its use where financial crime risks are highest.
Critics, however, argue the move chips away at financial privacy and nudges society further towards an all-digital payment system.
A quiet but significant shift
There’s been little public fuss about the new rule, but its long-term impact will be hard to ignore.
Cash won’t disappear, but when it comes to big-ticket purchases, its role will shrink sharply. By 2027, anyone used to paying large sums in banknotes will need to change how they do business.
