2021 Methods-of-Payment Survey Report Staff discussion paper 2022-23 Christopher Henry, Matthew Shimoda, Julia Zhu We present results from the 2021 Methods-of-Payment Survey, including updated payment shares. We highlight long-term trends and provide additional context for results with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers JEL Code(s): D, D8, D83, E, E4, E41 Research Theme(s): Money and payments, Cash and bank notes, Retail payments
February 25, 2020 Contingency planning for a central bank digital currency This background note explains the Bank’s official position on CBDC. It outlines the public policy, design, technology and risk management issues the Bank is considering as it builds its capacity to issue a CBDC in case it is needed in the future. Content Type(s): Background materials
March 31, 2024 Quarterly Research Update – 2024 Q1 This newsletter features the latest research publications by Bank of Canada economists including external publications and working papers published on the Bank of Canada’s website. Content Type(s): Staff research, Research newsletters
October 17, 2019 Conference on the Economics of Central Bank Digital Currency by the Bank of Canada and Sveriges Riksbank The Bank of Canada and Sveriges Riksbank jointly organized this conference on October 17 and 18, 2019 at the Bank of Canada headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario. The event aimed at providing a forum for central bankers and academic researchers to discuss the arguments for and against the issuance of CBDC and under what conditions, if any, governments should issue their own digital currencies. Content Type(s): Conferences and workshops
2022 Methods-of-Payment Survey Report: Cash Use Over 13 Years Staff discussion paper 2024-1 Christopher Henry, Doina Rusu, Matthew Shimoda We present results from the 2022 Methods-of-Payment Survey, including updated payment shares based on a three-day shopping diary. We also assess various factors associated with long-term trends in cash use. Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers JEL Code(s): D, D8, D83, E, E4, E41 Research Theme(s): Money and payments, Cash and bank notes, Retail payments
February 25, 2020 Money and Payments in the Digital Age Remarks Timothy Lane CFA Montréal FinTech RDV2020 Montréal, Quebec Deputy Governor Timothy Lane explains how the Bank of Canada is preparing for a future where Canadians may need a digital currency issued by their central bank. Content Type(s): Press, Speeches and appearances, Remarks Subject(s): Currency, Digital currency, Financial system, Financial markets, Fintech
Canadians’ Access to Cash Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Staff discussion paper 2022-15 Heng Chen, Marie-Hélène Felt This paper studies Canadians’ access to cash using the geographical distribution of automated banking machines (ABMs). During the pandemic, there have been no sustained adverse effects on cash accessibility. Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers JEL Code(s): J, J1, J15, O, O1, R, R5, R51 Research Theme(s): Financial markets and funds management, Market functioning, Money and payments, Cash and bank notes
Cash and COVID-19: The impact of the pandemic on demand for and use of cash Staff discussion paper 2020-6 Heng Chen, Walter Engert, Kim Huynh, Gradon Nicholls, Mitchell Nicholson, Julia Zhu Consumer spending declined significantly during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This negative shock likely reduced spending across all methods of payment (cash, debit, credit, etc.). The mix of payment methods consumers use could also be affected. We study how the pandemic has influenced the demand for and use of cash. We also offer insights into the use of other payment methods, such as debit and credit cards. Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff discussion papers JEL Code(s): C, C1, C12, C9, E, E4, O, O5, O54 Research Theme(s): Money and payments, Cash and bank notes, Retail payments
2025 Methods-of-Payment Survey Report: Cash in an Increasingly Digital and Mobile Economy Staff analytical paper 2026-36 Marie-Hélène Felt, Saika Pacouloute, Angelika Welte The 2025 Methods-of-Payment Survey provides insights into how Canadians pay for their day-to-day purchases and how they use cash (i.e. banknotes and coins). While contactless card payments dominate in-person transactions, most Canadians maintain favourable views on cash and still hold and use it. They are also increasingly adopting mobile payments. Content Type(s): Staff research, Staff analytical paper JEL Code(s): D, D8, D83, E, E4, E41 Research Theme(s): Money and payments, Cash and bank notes, Retail payments
October 24, 2019 How Canadians pay for things Kim Huynh From cash to contactless cards—what’s in our wallets? Content Type(s): Publications, The Economy, Plain and Simple Subject(s): Currency, Bank notes, Digital currency, Financial system, Financial stability, Fintech