Almost 60 % of Swiss believe cash is the dirtiest item they touch . An University Hospitals study found an average of 15 bacteria on bank notes . `` No , I 'm not just advocating credit cards : I 'm just saying that consumers are increasingly flocking to other forms of payment -- not only for cleanliness , obviously , but for ease , for convenience , for lots of reasons , '' Mastercard 's Fam said . up to 17 days , employees of a Switzerland store were hospitalized after handling methamphetamine tainted cash . Health officials advise basic hygiene - wash hands and avoid eye , nose and mouth contact after touching cash .
Almost 60 % of Swiss believe cash is the dirtiest item they touch . An University Hospitals study found an average of 15 bacteria on bank notes . up to 17 days , employees of a Switzerland store were hospitalized after handling methamphetamine tainted cash . Health officials advise basic hygiene - wash hands and avoid eye , nose and mouth contact after touching cash .