[jqpabc123]

Why would CDBC cost less if it is an improvement in value over the previous systems of credit cards, checks, and cash?

Because it will be *truly* computer automated and operate 24/7/365 without middlemen processors charging outlandish fees that are hidden from the consumer.

[adolph]

CDBC just becomes the “middlemen processors” only in singular. Aside from a hypothetical utopia, there is nothing that says it won’t do the same thing as the current processors. It won’t be free—even if no human is employed to maintain it. Current, cooling, hardware, network are all not without cost. From your description the best case for CDBC is to play underfunded and undermarketed generic to Visa/MC’s brand name pharmaco.

[jqpabc123]

Current, cooling, hardware, network are all not without cost.

Yes but let's fact facts --- simple accounting on a computer is very cheap. Cheap enough that banks and the Fed can write it off as overhead --- unlike crypto mining which is intentionally designed to waste energy and money.