Yesterday, large parts of Spain and Portugal were brought to a standstill by a major power outage. ATMs froze, point-of-sale terminals stopped working and businesses were unable to process card payments. From hospitals and petrol stations to local shops and public transport, the disruption was immediate and widespread.
In moments like this, cash becomes more than a payment method, it becomes a lifeline.
What happened yesterday wasn’t a once-in-a-generation disaster. It was a real-world example of what happens when critical systems go down. In those hours, access to cash wasn’t just convenient, it was essential when digital alternatives were unavailable. For many, those with cash on hand were the only ones able to continue their day without interruption.
Why cash matters more than ever
Yesterday’s outage in Spain and Portugal was a timely reminder that while technology enables much of our daily lives, it’s not immune to failure. When systems go down, whether due to power cuts, technical faults or unforeseen crises, cash remains the one form of payment that always works.
It doesn’t rely on electricity, signal or servers. It’s immediate, trusted and accessible. In emergencies, it enables people to access food, fuel, transport and healthcare without delay.
That’s why cash is not just relevant, it’s essential. It should never but used as a fallback, but as a foundation of financial stability.
