Core point: Mr. Zifang, a commentator on China Economic Network, believes that the act of rejecting cash is unfounded, unreasonable and unreasonable. The fine issued by the Central Bank this year is of great significance. Whether we continue to strengthen the rectification work or encourage consumers to report in a timely manner, the necessity of cash payment should be constantly emphasized. Because, on the road of inclusive finance, none can fall behind.
According to the official website of the People's Bank of China, since January 2024, the People's Bank of China has imposed economic penalties on seven units and relevant responsible persons that have been verified as rejecting RMB cash, with a maximum fine of 55000 yuan.
With the popularization of mobile payment, many people have realized "one mobile phone goes global". At present, China's mobile payment penetration rate has reached 86%, ranking first in the world. This is a good thing to facilitate residents' consumption and promote economic development. However, as reported in the news, "no change", "no coin", "no split payment"... Some business entities forced consumers to pay according to their own "local regulations" for various reasons, which was criticized by people. Now, it is high time for the central bank to "take action" to rectify these behaviors.
It must be clear that rejecting cash is illegal. RMB cash is the legal currency of the country and the most basic and fundamental payment instrument. The Law of the People's Bank of China stipulates that no unit or individual may refuse to pay all public and private debts in the People's Republic of China in RMB. It should also be noted that in the face of major emergencies, cash payment plays an indispensable role in the payment system, and when people forget to bring their mobile phones or have no flow, cash is also the last payment tool. It can be said that the refusal of cash not only damages the legal currency status of RMB, but also deprives consumers of their payment options.
China has a vast territory, a large population, and large regional differences. Consumers' payment needs are diverse, and cash payment habits and preferences still exist widely. For example, some elderly people, instead of struggling with non cash payment methods, have developed a long-term mentality of only using cash and only believing in cash. Diversification of payment methods is a good thing, but the traditional "bottom-up" financial services should not be excluded, which is also the tolerance of a civilized society.
Admittedly, today more and more offline business entities adopt online reservation, scanning code and ordering food and other service modes, which will objectively reduce the cash use scenarios significantly. In addition, some commercial banks have reduced the number of cash handling windows and ATM machines in order to save costs, which has reduced the willingness of some business entities to receive cash to some extent. Then, can we let the phenomenon of excluding cash transactions go unchecked? Of course not! Just ask, if RMB cash cannot be "unimpeded" in China, how can its legal tender position be stabilized?
From another point of view, will businesses that refuse cash refuse to accept red envelopes in the form of cash in life? In fact, the sense of ceremony and solemnity of cash is irreplaceable. The choice of payment method is a free choice for individuals; In society, it is related to financial stability. It is advanced to use smart phones to solve life problems such as payment; However, if these problems can only be solved through smart phones, it is a mistake.
In a word, the act of rejecting cash is unfounded, unreasonable and unreasonable. The fine issued by the Central Bank this year is of great significance. Whether we continue to strengthen the rectification work or encourage consumers to report in a timely manner, the necessity of cash payment should be constantly emphasized. Because, on the road of inclusive finance, none can fall behind. (Mr. Zifang, commentator of China Economic Network)
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