How to Measure Access to Cash? Methodology and Evidence from France

Abstract

We present a methodology to measure access to cash using granular geo-spatial data. Inspired by the existing measures used in other fields, we propose a distance-weighted index of access that accounts for the volume of cash access points in a given area. We apply this methodology to French data at a municipality level and describe the properties of the index. Finally, we offer avenues for further research by elaborating on the municipalities' characteristics that exhibit correlation with the access index.

Keywords: Access to cash, spatial measure, Financial inclusion

JEL Classification: E42, R11, C21, G21, O18