More cash in circulation, fewer digital payments. The equation is difficult to contest and calls into question the development of electronic money and the traceability of expenses. There is discussion on the consequences for the fight against tax evasion, attested by the growth of the underground economy in correspondence with the increase in the ceiling envisaged for the use of cash, highlighted by the Bank of Italy as early as 2016 when the Renzi government chose the threshold of three thousand euros. But there are also consequences for the spread of digital payments and compliance with the regulations. It is no mystery that in Italy paying in stores with a card, either an ATM or a credit card, is not so easy. And that the attitude of many merchants, especially the smaller ones, is a factor that pushes them to go around with more banknotes in their pockets. The signs that indicate failures to the POS or the network, or the refusals that occur frequently, more or less cordial, testify to a still widespread aversion to digital currency. The commissions weigh heavily, which according to the trade associations remain too high. But the desire to hide a portion of the transactions from the tax authorities also weighs heavily. So much so that it is not so unusual to receive discount offers when paying in cash. Just ask yourself how many are the self-employed, the plumber, the carpenter, but also the freelancers, from the dentist to the lawyer, who ask to be paid with banknotes.There is a law that obliges you to accept digital payments but penalties they almost never arrive. Because? For offenders, only tobacconists, petrol stations and associated studios are exempted, a penalty of 30 euros is envisaged from 1 July 2022, to which 4% of the value of the transaction is added, for which payment acceptance is refused. The problem is another. The merchant cannot be sanctioned if he is not denounced by the customer who is denied electronic payment. Since the ceiling on the use of cash will be raised, the number of transactions that can be made with banknotes will increase and, predictably, there it will be a slowdown in the spread of digital payments. The Italians will return to travel with more money in their pockets, they will find more shopkeepers with the POS out of use, and paying by card and ATM will become even more difficult.