numerar

Numerar is the Romanian term for physical cash used in everyday payments. It comprises banknotes and coins that can be exchanged immediately for goods and services. Numerar is typically contrasted with non-cash payment methods such as bank transfers, credit or debit cards, checks, and digital wallets.

In ordinary transactions, paying in numerar involves handing money to the seller, who provides a receipt, and the payment is settled at once. The availability of numerar depends on the holder’s cash on hand and the cash supply at businesses or banks. Numerar also includes small amounts kept in tills for daily operations, sometimes referred to as cash on hand or petty cash.

From an accounting perspective, numerar refers to money physically held as cash on hand. It is usually classified as a current asset, separate from money held in bank accounts (deposits) and from cash equivalents such as short-term, highly liquid investments. Businesses maintain procedures for cash handling, safes, and cash in transit to minimize theft and losses.

Issuance and regulation: Physical cash used as numerar is issued by the central bank or monetary authority of a country, in coordination with the government. In Romania, the National Bank of Romania issues banknotes and coins. Denominations and security features are updated periodically to deter counterfeiting.

Trends: The share of numerar in total payments has generally declined with the expansion of card payments and digital wallets, though cash remains widely used in retail, small merchants, and in regions with limited banking access. Cash management remains an important consideration for households and businesses due to costs of handling and security concerns.