Cashless banks risk endangering Denmark’s homeless

Fears rise that the homeless will be pushed to more and more extreme ways of obtaining cash

Today, banks in the Vesterbro district of Copenhagen became the first in the country to go entirely cashless – with many more expected to follow their lead in the near future.

Whilst this move might benefit the banks’ coffers, for society’s most vulnerable it represents a further obstacle to accessing support.

With many homeless people lacking a debit card, previously they withdrew cash benefits at the start of the month. But now, with cash withdrawals no longer being an option, this support is no longer accessible for them.

No address, no support 
“As a homeless person, you do not just order a debit card. We do not have an address to order it to, and for some it is difficult to keep track of their belongings,” explained Christina Strauss, chairman of De hjemløses Landsorganisation (SAND) and someone with first-hand experience of homelessness.

“It is also easier for pushers to follow one over to an ATM than into a bank, so they will have easier access to your money with a debit card,” she continued in an interview on P1 Morgen.

Forced to find cash elsewhere
One major consequence Strauss fears will occur as a result of the move is that homeless people will be forced to find the cash elsewhere, either by crime or prostitution.

Copenhagen Municipality appears to share these concerns. Late on Wednesday evening they met with Finans Danmark to come up with a patchwork solution for Vesterbro’s homeless population – a short-term solution to the problem.

“We have found a solution where the homeless twice a month in January, February and March can come and get cash. However, they must report it four days in advance so that the banks can order the cash back home,” explained Copenhagen’s social mayor Mia Nyegaard. 

“I do not think it is a sustainable solution, but it is the best we can do right now,” she said.

Not good enough 
For Strauss, this arrangement is far from sufficient. She believes it is highly unlikely that homeless people are likely to have the opportunity to plan four days ahead.

“When you live on the street, you may have a hard time thinking even an hour ahead. You don’t even know where you are going to sleep tonight.”

For his part, trade and industry minister Simon Kollerup stated in a written response to DR News that he was “really happy” that the relevant parties had come together to find a solution “in Copenhagen her and now”.




  • Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro: A battle between identities

    Nørrebro is a cornerstone of the city of Copenhagen. However, while it continues to be a popular hang out spot for young and old alike, the neighborhood is in the middle of a transformation from the old working class population, to a younger and more economically stable clientele. This fact raises concern among native Nørrebro-citizens.

  • Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    Copenhagen celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a grand 20th anniversary parade

    The Irish Culture Association Denmark (ICAD) is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Copenhagen on March 16, 2025, with a parade marking its 20th anniversary. Supported by the Irish Embassy, the event will feature Irish music, dance, sports, and cultural displays, bringing the spirit of Ireland to Denmark.

  • Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Trump: Greenlandic annexation “will happen.” Greenlandic PM: “Enough is enough”

    Yesterday, the President of the United States made some of the strongest statements about Greenland he has ever made during the press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

  • Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Copenhagen revisited through memoir poetry

    Not all students feel like reading Danish poetry after a meeting at a language school with writer and poet Henrik Palle. Yet, a portrayal of Copenhagen as the city once was and the impressions of what the city is today give a deeper impression of the Danes

  • A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    A book to make Danish idioms easier to understand

    It’s difficult to learn Danish, especially with idioms that have figurative meanings. It highlights Christiane Bjørg Nielsen’s book, See What You Say, which serves as a visual guide to understanding these idiomatic expressions in Danish.

  • Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Raise the voice of internationals. Take the survey and share your experience in Denmark.

    Copenhagen Capacity has launched a survey for all internationals living in Denmark to find out if they are happy here and what challenges they face. The Copenhagen Post is the media partner for this initiative. You can find the survey below in the article.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.


  • Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen ranked 4th for career growth

    Copenhagen is ranked as the fourth-best city in the world for career growth, according to an analysis by EnjoyTravel. This ranking considers various factors such as living costs, salary levels, workforce availability, and overall quality of life. Copenhagen is noted for its blend of historical and modern elements, particularly in the green energy sector, which influences job opportunities.

  • Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    Data shows that non-Western immigrants have saved local economies in Denmark

    A study reveals how only the massive influx of non-Western immigrants has saved many areas in Denmark from a decline in the workforce and a consequently shrinking economy

  • Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    Long-term unemployment is double for non-Western immigrants

    An analysis from the Labour Movement’s Business Council shows that the rate in long-term unemployment for non-Western immigrants is 1.8 times higher than for Danes. In other words, a chronic unemployment situation is way more probable for non-Western internationals.