Why are demand deposits considered as money?
Demand deposits are a type of bank account where the account holder can withdraw money on-demand without prior notice. These deposits are considered as money for the following reasons:
1. Medium of exchange
Demand deposits are widely accepted as a means of payment for goods and services. This means that they can be used to purchase goods and services instead of cash. For example, if you go to a supermarket and pay for your groceries using a debit card, the money is transferred from your demand deposit account to the supermarket's account.
2. Store of value
Demand deposits are also considered as a store of value because they can be used to save money. People deposit their money in these accounts with the expectation that it will retain its value over time. The interest earned on these deposits is a form of compensation for storing the money in the account.
3. Unit of account
Demand deposits are used as a unit of account to measure the value of goods and services. For example, when you go to a store, the prices of goods are denominated in a particular currency, which is usually the local currency. In this case, the value of the goods is measured in terms of the currency used.
4. Transferability
Demand deposits are easily transferable from one person to another. This means that they can be used to make payments to other people or to transfer money from one account to another. This makes them a convenient form of money for everyday transactions.
Conclusion
Demand deposits are considered as money because they serve as a medium of exchange, store of value, unit of account, and are easily transferable. They are widely accepted as a means of payment for goods and services, making them an important component of the economy.