Forms of Money — Money & Banking | IGCSE Economics

Exam Frequency Analysis

Past paper frequency (2018 to 2024)

This topic accounts for approximately 4% of your exam marks.

new

Rare

New4%

New emphasis in the 2027 syllabus; the functions and characteristics of money and the roles of central and commercial banks are now examined directly. Guidance based on specimen materials.

Money is no longer only cash. The main forms are:

Cash: notes and coins, the most acceptable and portable form.
Bank deposits: money held in current and savings accounts, spent using debit cards, cheques, direct transfers and mobile payments. Most money in a modern economy is in this form.

The growth of digital and contactless payments means that the share of cash is falling, but the underlying functions of money are unchanged.