käteisrahalla

Käteisrahalla is a Finnish phrase meaning paying with cash. It is formed from käteisraha, which refers to cash money, with the adessive suffix -lla to indicate the payment method. In everyday language the expression is used when specifying how a transaction is settled, for example with the verb maksaa (to pay).

In grammar, käteisraha is the base noun meaning cash, and käteisrahalla is the form used to indicate payment by cash, as in maksaa käteisrahalla, or “I’ll pay with cash.” The term appears in both spoken and written Finnish, including consumer guides, retail signs, and informal conversations. Common example sentences include: Voinko maksaa käteisrahalla? (Can I pay with cash?), Maksoin käteisrahalla, kiitos. (I paid with cash, thank you.)

Usage and context: Käteisrahalla maksaminen is still common for small purchases, tips, or markets, especially where digital payments are impractical. Across Finland, card and mobile payments have become increasingly prevalent, leading to a general shift away from cash in many retail settings. However, cash remains an accepted payment method in most places, and cash handling continues to be relevant for banks, ATMs, and businesses that serve customers who prefer or require cash. Discussions around cash usage often touch on security, costs of handling cash, and regulatory or policy considerations influencing the availability of cash payments.

See also: Käteinen, Käteisraha, Maksaa.