Using cash and privacy-focused payment methods¶
When you make purchases with regular debit/credit cards or mobile payments, companies can track exactly what you buy, where, and when. This creates a detailed spending profile that can be used for advertising, credit scoring, or even sold to data brokers. Here’s how to maintain better financial privacy:
Why cash still matters in a digital world¶
Paying with physical banknotes remains the most private way to purchase goods and services because:
It leaves no digital transaction record that can be tracked
Does not reveal your identity to the seller
Can not be linked to other purchases you have made
For maximum privacy with cash:
Withdraw money from money machines in varying amounts at irregular times
Consider using different bank branches if making large withdrawals
Businesses can refuse cash payments over a certain limit for some transactions
Privacy-enhanced payment cards¶
When cash is not practical, these alternatives offer more protection than standard cards:
Prepaid cards with minimal verification¶
Prepaid cards are available worldwide, but verification rules vary.
Purchase with cash. Look for cards requiring only basic registration.
Use different cards for different spending categories
Disposable virtual cards¶
Virtual cards like Revolut work in UK/Europe. Privacy.com is US-only.
Services like Revolut or Privacy.com generate one-time card numbers
Each merchant gets a unique number that can not track other purchases
Set spending limits and expiration dates for extra control
Cryptocurrency cards¶
Cryptocurrency cards have tax implications which differ by country. Examples: BitPay, Crypto.com cards.
Some services convert crypto to fiat at point of sale
Doesn’t directly link to your bank account
Special cases for sensitive purchases¶
For medical, political, or personal items you would rather keep private:
Use prepaid cards purchased with cash for online orders
Consider collecting packages from locker services rather than home
Be aware some merchants share purchase data with third parties regardless of payment method
The privacy trade-offs¶
While these methods improve privacy, consider:
Prepaid cards often have fees and lower spending limits
Some services may still require ID verification
Returns/exchanges can be more difficult without purchase records
Most countries have regulations requiring reporting suspicious cash transactions over €10,000
Complete financial privacy is challenging in modern banking systems, but these steps can significantly reduce how much of your spending habits are recorded and shared. For everyday purchases, alternating between cash and privacy cards makes it harder to build a complete profile of your activities.