The Amish do not have a unique form of currency. They use the same money as the rest of the country they live in. In the United States, the Amish use U.S. dollars for their transactions.
The Amish, known for their simple lifestyle and avoiding a lot of modern tech, actually use regular money in their daily life. This means for any usual buying and selling activities, they use the same currency as everyone else.
However, they prefer cash transactions and are less likely to use credit cards or bank loans.
The Amish use banks, but they choose ones that respect their need for simplicity and privacy. They often prefer local banks and credit unions over big, commercial banks.
Do the Amish Barter?
The Amish don’t usually barter (trade things without using money) for their everyday business. They mostly use cash, just like everyone else, for buying and selling things.
While they might sometimes barter within their community, this isn’t how they typically do business.
The Amish are big on helping each other out, especially in tough times. They will share things within their community as part of helping each other.
For example, if an Amish person has to pay a big fine or has a lot of medical bills, their community steps in to help. The whole community comes together to raise money or provide other kinds of help to cover those expenses.
The Amish Are Getting Wealthier
The Amish aren’t isolated from the world’s economy. They run businesses like furniture shops and participate in tourism. While authentic Amish furniture is indeed expensive, it’s definitely worth the investment due to its quality and durability.
Tourism is a key income source for the Amish. Many people visit Amish communities to experience their unique lifestyle. Visitors buy Amish-made goods and learn about their way of life, helping to support the community financially​.
Traditionally, most Amish were farmers, leading to a relatively equal financial status among them. But now, some have moved to other businesses, making more money.
This change has brought new wealth, and there’s concern this might lead to a class system within their community, which traditionally didn’t have such divisions.
The Amish Use Money but Don’t Get Attached to It
The Amish live a very self-sufficient life and prioritize a simple, modest lifestyle. They build their own houses, grow their own food, and make their own clothes. This helps them save a lot of money and be less affected by economic problems.
They focus on living within their means, which often results in a lower average net worth compared to others. They enjoy a high quality of life, with strong community ties and little to no debt​.