From AI to instant paydays: The future of money is now 

The year 2030 isn’t some distant future; it’s right around the corner. The way we handle money is changing fast. From AI managing your budget to receiving payment immediately after finishing a job (instant paydays are already a reality, extending beyond shift-based jobs to all sectors), the future of money is here. Here are the 5 wildest trends. 

1. Say goodbye to cash (this time for real) 

By 2030, cash could be as outdated as a flip phone. Sweden and China are leading the way: by 2023, only 9% of payments in Sweden were in cash, while over 90% of urban purchases in China happen via mobile apps such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. 
What this means for you: 
  • No more cash withdrawals or ATM hunts 
  • Digital wallets, mobile payments, and cryptocurrencies will dominate (your grandchildren probably won’t understand the meaning of spare change) 
  • Governments will likely launch their own digital currencies (CBDCs), replacing cash altogether 
Fun fact: In Sweden, even churches like Uppsala’s 13th-century cathedral accept donations via mobile apps, which is proof of the country’s rapid shift towards a cashless society. And even Switzerland has jumped on the digital payment bandwagon: TWINT is widely accepted and enables you to pay using a QR code or phone number at flea markets, farm stalls, food trucks, ski lifts, etc. 

2. Meet your new financial advisor: AI 

Budgeting apps are cute and all but by 2030, AI will have automated your entire financial life, from paying your bills on time to making investments based on market data. 
What this means for you: 
  • AI assistants will budget, invest, and save on your behalf 
  • Personalised investment strategies without lifting a finger 
  • Virtual financial coaches will be able to talk to you like a human (but smarter) 
Fun fact: Some AI tools can already predict your spending habits. Apple’s Wallet app, for example, provides weekly spending summaries, while budgeting tools like Cleo will literally call you out for making poor financial decisions (yes, Cleo will roast you for buying that extra coffee). In the future, AI might even lock your account to stop you making an impulse purchase you’ll regret. 
Waiting for payday a whole month is so 2020! In the future, you might get paid instantly, as soon as you complete a task. 

3. Subscriptions for everything 

The future isn’t about owning; it’s about access. Welcome to the subscription economy, where you pay a monthly fee for cars, technology and even clothing. 
What this means for you: 
  • Your monthly budget will include lots of subscriptions, from cars to furniture to clothes 
  • You’ll have access to the latest gadgets without having to buy them 
  • The concept of owning things might start to disappear 
 
Fun fact: Some Gen Zers are already ditching car ownership in favour of car subscriptions — like Netflix, but for vehicles! Companies such as Care by Volvo and Porsche Drive offer flexible subscriptions where you can swap cars every few months. Rumour has it that Apple is working on an iPhone subscription model, meaning you’ll never have to «own» your phone – just pay a monthly fee and upgrade whenever you want. 

4. Real-time salary 

Waiting for payday a whole month is so 2020! In the future, you might get paid instantly, as soon as you complete a task. Gig workers and freelancers are already campaigning for this model, and companies are beginning to adopt it. Imagine finishing a shift and having your earnings sent to your account immediately. 
What this means for you: 
  • No more waiting for payday — your earnings could be available instantly 
  • You’ll have better control over your cash flow 
  • This could reduce your reliance on credit cards for mid-month expenses 
 
Fun fact: Some companies are already testing «earned wage access», meaning you can access your salary whenever you need it. In the US, companies like Walmart and Uber offer this feature, enabling employees to receive their wages daily instead of monthly. Meanwhile, in Europe, fintech start-ups like Wagestream are making on-demand pay a reality for thousands of workers. 

5. Your bank? More like a super app! 

By 2030, banking will be about much more than just savings and loans. It will be integrated into one convenient app where you can pay, invest, save, budget and even shop — all in one place. Imagine a combination of your bank, digital wallet, broker and grocery store all in one place. 
What does this mean for you? 
  • One app to rule your entire financial life 
  • No more juggling five platforms just to keep track of your finances 
  • Your bank could also be your travel agent, crypto trader or shopping assistant 
 
Fun fact: in China, apps like WeChat already combine social messaging, payments, investing and shopping. In Switzerland you’ve got Yuh. Our app lets you pay, save and invest — and even trade crypto – all in one place. But that’s just the beginning! 
 
Get ahead of 2030 — start now!
The future of money isn’t just coming, it’s already here. With Yuh, you can explore digital payments, trade stocks and cryptocurrencies, automate savings and track your spending, all in one place. Start building the habits that’ll make 2030 feel like second nature. Want to test-drive the future? Try using your virtual card instead of cash for a week. Or set up a standing order to invest in your favourite ETF. Small steps, big future.