中国人民银行通告全国：2月1日起，人民币现金收付新规正式施行

Core Viewpoint - The new regulation on cash payment, effective from February 1, 2026, aims to address the increasing incidents of cash refusal and establish clear standards for cash usage in circulation, particularly benefiting marginalized groups such as the elderly who rely heavily on cash [1][4][17]. Group 1: Regulation Details - The "Regulations on Cash Payment and Services" will create a comprehensive protection system for cash payments, mandating that face-to-face services and manual payment methods must accept cash [6][17]. - Unattended service locations must clearly display cash conversion methods and contact information, prohibiting additional fees for cash transactions [6][8]. - All transactions completed online must publicly disclose payment methods in advance, respecting the public's right to know and choose [8]. Group 2: Impact on Vulnerable Groups - Over 75% of elderly individuals frequently use cash, with the figure rising to 80.4% among those in rural areas, highlighting the importance of cash for these demographics [1][4]. - The regulation emphasizes the need for financial institutions to facilitate cash transactions for elderly and disabled individuals, ensuring their needs and habits are considered in service layouts [11][13]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The refusal of cash payments by some merchants is seen as a form of "exclusionary discrimination," undermining market fairness and exacerbating the digital divide [4][18]. - The new regulation aims to curb improper business practices that may arise from merchants' compliance with payment platforms, promoting healthy competition in the payment market [18][20]. Group 4: Societal Significance - The regulation reinforces the legal status of the Renminbi and ensures that cash remains a fundamental payment method, especially in extreme situations such as power outages or network failures [17][20]. - The surge in cash demand during the pre-Spring Festival period illustrates that cash serves not only as a payment tool but also carries emotional and social significance [15][20].