This paper analyses cash and cashless payment instruments in Germany. After a description of developments in a national and international context, we will compile a critical overview of iterature on cost calculations and on the importance of payments media for different countries.

The June 2014 edition of the Monthly Report explains – beside the outlook for the German economy as macroeconomic projections for 2014 and 2015 – Europe’s new recovery and resolution regime for credit institutions. It furthermore comments on the changes in the methodology and classification of the balance of payments and the international investment position. In the end, cash withdrawals at the point of sale against the background of motives for use and implications for cash holding are described.