Despite years of record inflation eroding purchasing power, a significant number of Hungarians continue to prefer holding cash over depositing money in banks. This enduring preference stems from deep-seated distrust of financial institutions, rooted in historical experiences like past banking crises and devaluations. Many fear banks themselves are unstable or may freeze accounts, and prefer the perceived safety of physical money under their own control. Concerns over banking fees and taxes also contribute to the reluctance to use banks. While keeping cash offers a sense of security for some, it ultimately leads to a loss of potential interest and increased vulnerability to inflation and theft. This trend highlights a unique challenge for Hungary's financial sector and policymakers seeking to promote banking usage.