Is Cash still King?

ab

After reading several responses, it seems safe to say that cash may not be king any longer, but it still holds a place alongside the new heir, electronic transactions. While the issues around digital transactions continue to exist, cash will/should always have a place.

While I can’t speak to the wisdom of your local café refusing cash, they are well within their right to set their own payment terms and conditions. But they must clearly communicate these to customers before the transaction.
In any event, in any major shift, like this one, the govt would need to ensure the inclusivity of all the generations of people they govern. Maybe we baby boomer need to ‘fall off our collective perch,’ before that change to cashless is put into effect. 😂 I don’t know… But I do always have some cash on me. :)

A personal gripe for me is the merchant fees that are passed on to the customer. Some merchants wear it as cost of business, other pass it to the customer. It’s no longer a case of, this coffee is $5 + GST… it’s now a case of this coffee is $5 + GST + merchant fee, and the merchant fee can be anything. I’ve seen 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and higher. In a cashless world, businesses will be more inclined to pass this cost to the customer with no fear of losing them to a cash using competitor. And there is no transparency to this fee.

Before we ever think about going cashless, these fees need to be regulated, if not directly by the govt, then through consumer advocacy organisations. I don’t think you can just go cashless and let competitive pressure regulate those fees. The govt needs to step up and place a cap on these fees, now! It would send a clear message of what’s on the horizon.

kim80

I hate using digital and wish cash was accepted everywhere again

Cheran

Have to say, as a septagenarian, that I still prefer cash. I've seen so many times what happens when a phone (containing your "wallet") is dropped and broken or the internet goes down and no one can do anything. All too common these days. Give me cash any day - it doesn't break down.

MissLizzie

There is definitely still a place for cash.
It helps to teach our children that waving a piece of plastic over a machine is not how you shop. The money needs to be earned - it is not something magical or as simple as a swipe.
If there is an internet or power outage, you can still buy the things you need.
I object to being charged for my transaction that are made using plastic. The merchant benefits by not having large amounts of cash on the premises and hence somewhat more security. They do not have to go to the bank to deposit the money - it is in their account almost instantaneously.

lynndi

yes everyone can use cash. Us older residents don't know about pay ID, or other pay transfers. Our phones arent up to date with "now" technology and we will go without rather than be a slave to apps, we don't understand or trust.

wendel

No it's not, but I think it's a mistake to scrap it completely.

mzbec

Cash is still king! It is getting more and more frustrating that banks are closing and taking away ATM's and going 'cashless', they are just pushing and pushing this cashless society.

I'm a disability support worker and all of my clients use cash, it is so much easier to track their money to make sure no one is taking advantage of them etc I love using cash as it helps me to budget and track my savings too.

I have and will with no hesitation, drop a bunch of items mid store and walk out if I find out it is cashless. It is absolutely disgusting to refuse one term of payment that is free but put fees on another term of payment that makes your customers pay more!

Yqsymnx

Technology being fallible, always need a backup.
Also, how are tradies to do cash jobs if there's no cash?

James3243

There is a hidden cost to a business taking cash.
1. The risk of having to much and being robbed
2. The time spent having to count it and cash up come closing time
3. The time spent having to go to the bank to deposit it
4. The time spent having to count the cash to make a change orders (and collect it from the bank)

Yes card transactions have a fee (that some pass on to customers) most business spend more in wages keeping cash around

Cash was designed to make it easier for people to trade their goods instead of carrying heavy rocks.
Cashless is just the next steps, romans were paid in salt which they used to trade for other items.

Bren40

I like the ability to use cash for some things, particularly when I buy off of Marketplace or Gumtree.
I recently received some cash after selling something on the above platforms and found that it is getting harder to find a bank to deposit my cash. Despite living in a metro area, the nearest ATM for my bank was 10 minutes drive away and the nearest branch is more like 15 minutes drive. Fortunately there is a post office where I was able to bank the cash closer to my home.
It feels as though the banks are driving us to become a cashless society.

jtmorri

What a shame your local café no longer accepts cash. Cash slows down the payment process and involves visits to the bank by the business, however any form of payment should be seen as equal to any other.  The only real concern with cash is if it is counterfeit, which a business could be having passed to them as payment, however I doubt this is excessively prevalent since criminals have moved online to fleece and scam people of their hard earnt money.

It feels like they are splitting people into two groups; the haves (tech savy) and have nots (still using cash). It could well be considered discriminatory, and it does not promote inclusivity and acceptance with a tang of, "So, my money's not good enough for you?" I also feel it would be embarrassing for some people and a form of rejection, especially of older people who prefer cash yet were so looking forward to an outing etc.

Cash is still king as it safer than electronic banking. I have closed accounts with banks, such as ANZ and Bankwest, when they close branches and move everything to apps (which includes communicating with them) because I will not use an app on my mobile for payments and managing my accounts as it is not safe. Another bank I use still does not have two-factor authentication for website login to the banking platform. Cash is also more reliable than any of the electronic payment means available due to outages, hacks, viruses. I always carry a bit of cash on me just in case the digital world is crashing again and for smaller purchases. I also know that children still really enjoy receiving cash, having piggy banks and saving, which also helps them learn the value of money, how to manage it and is a pertinent life skill.

James3243

What a shame your local café no longer accepts cash. Cash slows down the payment process and involves visits to the bank by the business, however any form of payment should be seen as equal to any...

I have to disagree with cash being safer than electronic banking.
Shu of negligence on your behalf of giving out your details purposefully.
The bank holds all liability for fraudulent transactions and your money is guaranteed upto $250k per bank.

If you give someone your card details and they don't give you what you purchased you have a higher chance of getting those funds back than if you had given them cash as there is no proof you gave then anything

Banks also now offer an off-line electronic payment method so payments can be taken when the web goes down and it just processes it when its back, majority of people do not know how to utilise this function though.

MissStrabo

i like not having to carry cash as i don't get paid in cash and there aren't any banks open outside of my work hours. However, there are a number of situations where cash is more useful. Garage sales or other 2nd hand sales, kids pocket money, reimbursing someone for something they bought on your behalf just to name a few. And all those people who say keep the cash and don't pay the bank fees, they are talking about bringing in a fee to handle cash so that won't work then.

lightning1955

Many elderly people continue to use cash. I think of all the jobs that will be lost if we go cashless. What will happen to all the ATM's?

EileenW1

I know so many people in my age group who do not have access to online/digital banking and so only have cash. It is hard enough with so few banks having branches in local towns or villages especially out in rural areas. I rarely carry cash and I like the convenience and quick service of just swiping a card to make payments, buy something I hadn't planned or just have a snack if I feel hungry. However my nail salon gives me $5 off if I pay with cash. It makes me realise how much those charges must add up everywhere I use my card instead of cash. There was a major problem when the internet crashed and for hours no one could use their credit or debit cards and without cash people were stuck. I also dislike it when in a restaurant and I go to pay with card, being asked how much tip I am adding on. I pay my tips with cash and give it to the person who has given me good service or pop it into the tip jar. I will not be pressured in to giving a tip added to my bill. Perhaps we need to demand the choice of how we pay and not be pressured into only using card.

Lizzy

Yes, cash is king. I won't go to Dominoes or Gloria Jeans as they now do not accept cash.

clem_lun

Some may think cash is not king anymore, but cash is still king! You can whip out cash any time to anyone, anywhere. A card requires a terminal to use. I don't mind using card to pay. But I DO mind paying the extra transaction fees in order to use my card. It all adds up at the end of the year!

khushi

Cash may not be the king any more but it is still necessary to be in circulation because of few very important reasons:
1: Quite a few of the older generation does not have either the luxury or resourcefulness to have a credit card or the technical know how to operate a credit card account. Besides, the surcharges on credit card purchases are ridiculously high and not every body can afford them?
2: Also, a large number of establishments and businesses, specifically Chinese, still don't accept credit cards because the want to hide their income from the tax authorities!

Glenda3259

I still pay cash whenever possible. The thought of losing local markets, car boot sales, roadside stalls, pocket money for small chores and of course the tooth fairy is beyond comprehension.
I do not support the banks earning any more money from additional charges that are now part of every debit or credit transaction.

SC4RF4C3

Yes I really do think cash is king 100 percent, you don't see much people using cash anymore.

site77

Cash is and will always be King, but recent digital technologies provide this practical and safe form of payments and are increasingly innovating and simplifying with these payment options, very useful and practical.

clazza

Cash should always be an option since technology can fail. Personally I find it easier to just tap a card but do use cash for some things where the sellers/service providers still prefer it. I find it can be better budgeting wise to be able to keep track of everything online with a credit card statement, but at the same time you do need to watch people sometimes because they can type in the wrong amount whereas with cash you can see exactly what you are spending.

Ellie 30656027

Cash is king and will always be king. Don’t have to worry about technology issues hen the system is down. It also can’t be can’t be converted into surcharges for eftpos fees etc.

dee

Yes always should be.

l0lapx

Cash is still available everywhere I go, in Vic.
ALSO CASH is still legal tender and no one can refuse cash, Though they can refuse to serve you for any reason. We live in a country that is getting more and more deranged every month

Nor4

So now we have GST and a surcharge on our purchases. People should have the choice and cash is and always should be more acceptable.

s

If you don't use cash some places charge you extra without letting you know I bought a piece of food recently and was charged extra just happened to look on the eftpos machine when I tapped it.

s

What about a few weeks ago when there was a technology blackout and you had to pay cash only at Coles and other stores.
So we can never get rid of the cash just in case.

Voxy Lady

Absolutely! Cash will always be King, no matter what.

You can't hide digital or other forms of money under your mattress lol

Samantha3260

Yes - we all see this when technology fails!

betty

Without cash lots of people will suffer specially elderly people ,cash is everything,and someone has nothing to do creating headaches and worries,when power goes out how you going to pay for your bills,food computers a dead end to the economy

mzbec

Cash is definitely still king. I will not support places that do not allow me to pay with cash and have been known to go to a shop and leave all the items at the register when they've told me they don't accept cash. And I always make complaints at the banks because ATM's are becoming increasingly harder to find.

ny

I find it hard to believe that cash will disappear. IT fails from time to time and then what happens? Does the world really stop? I don't think so, but with no cashit would be a disaster.

shylady

Obviously city people have no clue how often EFTPOS and phone/internet are down in regional areas making it impossible to pay by card.

Tuzy

Using my card most of the time is so convenient however I am starting to realise how much it is costing me charges as almost everywhere has a surcharge, even my medical practice.

EvelynB

I don’t mind paying by card if no surcharge if cash isn’t accepted

Bob

The Age had an article about this a couple of weeks ago, they said that the staff of the cafés that were not taking cash were depriving their staff of tips.
I will always keep using cash after having my Visa Card skimmed in a café and my bank account emptied out, cash is the safest.

Radda

I think as long as the business dont charge surcharges for using the cards, cash probably can go at some stage. In this modern world of digitalisation, we will soon become robots ourselves 😂

kerynm

I want to continue using cash. A friend was charged a surcharge of $2.50 when she bought 3 milkshakes just recently...for using CASH ... this is Not acceptable.

foodforthought

It’s legal to have card only, but illegal to surcharge on cards where cash is not accepted - the retailer must offer an option to avoid the surcharge for customers by paying cash to put a surcharge on card payments.

Angieg

Digital payments are convenient and easy ... until the internet is down and hacking occurs; also there's a small charge every time it is used. Cash is great for small purchases and many elderly people are not tech savvy.

PukPuk

When everything in the world is good, then all these electronic payment methods are way ahead. However, electromagnitic interence can put the brakes on payments ( the basis of a market economy) so the tech people (some with evil intent) will be as important and maybe even moreso than the foot soldier and military weapons in future conflicts.

These days cash is probably more of a reserve payment system for when tech goes haywire, however, these days even the distribution of the physical cash so people can get it is even controlled by electronic systems. Sure, money trucks deliver the actual cash but all the services that enable the truck to run are electronic these days. It used to be brain, pen and paper but those skills are going in preference to the keyboard.

mazzab2003

Cash is needed especially in cases of our local markets, school fetes, and even the little corner shops. Being cash free will destroy these things, do we really want that?? I know with everyone being paid direct into their bank account, using EFTPOS is the easiest way to pay for everything but please think about withdrawing some cash and using it where possible.

Tabbi

i still pay cash as some places charge to use a debit or other card interest on it which i dont think is fair to the consumer.

Maggie

Personally, as an older person, I prefer to use cash for most payments, for example, supermarket, post office, fruit shop, bakery, eating out and beauty salon. I also find that using cash helps me to keep greater control over my spending. There are times when I use my card, for example, at the vets and the dentist. I can see that customers using card payments makes things easier for businesses, particularly small businesses, in that they do not have to go to the bank to get change and deposit their takings each day. I know that some people find using card payments a problem if they do not know how to use a computer/phone to check their balances. Again, this applies mainly to older people. Using a card for all payments might mean that people do not watch their spending as carefully as they should. Even though card payments these days are fairly secure, there is still a possibility of fraudulent use. Further, there are privacy issues around how much information about our spending can be seen by third parties? I am not sure which organisations might have access to this information. These are my main concerns about cash versus cards.

cas

I think we really still need to have the option of using cash. I usually pay by card but I am using cash at cafes more because they have a surcharge if I use my card.I think cash is good for childrens pocket money it teaches them the value of money and makes it more real rather than just tapping a card.Also if the electricity goes off we are unable to buy anything it happened to friends of ours who were on holidays and they were unable to put petrol in their car or buy food or drinks.

no name

This problem really came home to me when I saw a man selling 'The Big Issue' outside the supermarket and I didn't have any cash to give him. I bought him a cup of coffee, using a card! I'd been using cards for almost everything since Covid, although I resent the surcharge.

My elderly mother used a card at the checkout to pay for shopping and also some bills at the post office but wasn't able to check the amount of money in her bank accounts because she didn't go online. She found this really frustrating, waiting for one of us to visit and check her accounts for her.

I'd like to use both forms of payment. I realise using cards allows the Taxation Department total access to your income and spending, but cash is still legal tender in Australia and should be acceptable in all face to face transactions.

Coastgirl2

I am using more cash as so many businesses are charging fees for credit cards.

Ellessri

Yes for me, most recently I've had a need to use cash as my card had expired and the bank hadn't sent the new one yet. I'm also the person who will refuse to use a card if there's a surcharge

nanone

I believe cash is still king as it is the only currency that can be used when the internet goes down. As for budgeting it is so much easier to do with cash as when it's gone that's it. All the tap and go charges can be hard to keep track of as well as the extra charges in most transactions which people don't realize is happening. When we had the last outage our local KFC who went cashless was not able to operate, now they take cash again as they lost lots of business. For me I use both and will continue to do so as sometime it really is easier to just use cash.

Jinja

Definitely cash for smaller purchases. Often there is a surcharge for using cards, which bumps the price of your purchase up. I always keep cash in my wallet for emergencies and smaller buys.

mcgore

A number of responses have referred to cash being useful as a budgeting tool. I do agree with this sentiment - once the physical supply is exhausted, your spending for the period is done.
However, the difficulty is this, many venues are moving to accept electronic payments only, and do not trade in cash. In this instance, the debit card, loaded with appropriately budgeted funds, rather than the credit card, becomes a way forward.

roblyn25

Cash is still king for the smaller purchases to cut down on credit card charges. If there is a power outage for several hours or eftpos is down you can not make purchases

wendel

It's a shame really, as we rely on tech and computers so much that when there's a crash or shut down everything doesn't work, so shop check outs are useless. I feel sorry for those like older people who don't or can't use tech.

Ruskie30748487

It isn't, but look at what happens when computers have melt down, check out registers don't work, we can't pay for anything, it's a shame, as cash should always be available, especially for our older people who are tech savvy.

Zelda

My two sons, aged 26 and 36, both prefer to use cash, though they will do bank transfers online if needed. I rarely have cash in my wallet, as I prefer to use card or online payment. Though lately, thanks to the cash for cans and bottles scheme, I do have a little cash in my wallet. I sometimes use this to buy lunch with. What I don't understand is why there is a surcharge for both cash and card payments. There should only be a surcharge for one of these, shouldn't there ?

Superstar666$

They cannot refuse to take cash as it is still legal tender.
I use cash at all times as I have to keep to a budget and when the cash is gone I don’t buy! If I use my card I tend to spend over my budget.
Plus many businesses are happy to get cash as this reduces their bank charges.

pasar

Rising merchant surcharges have led me to increase my cash usage. Additionally, many tradespeople prefer cash payments, but the $1000 daily ATM limit poses a challenge compounded by more Bank Branch closure.

normarand

I like using cash because it allows me to keep a better track on my spending. I find it very easy to overspend when I use a card because I know the purchase will be covered by my bank. When I draw money out the bank I know exactly how much money I have to spend and when it is done, it is done. I also don't like how some places are making you pay by card and then add a surcharge on for using the card. That is not fair, especially when many places don't even warn you there is a surcharge for using a card. I sure hope cash stays around as it is my preferred option.

JDB

I try and pay for most payments in cash. If you use your card for purchasers under $10 they charge you more. Not for me I love to use cash only, if the company does not except that I shop elsewhere

Anni3258

I think cashless is problematic. It will make it harder for us as a nation to keep hold of the security of a payment method that does not trigger extra charges and allows unnecessary profits to be filtered to organizations like banks or card companies- forcing us to allow them into our transactions with no recourse

dicky a

Despite the efforts of the Banks and the media to promote otherwise,..cash still has a massive part to play in this country's economy - particularly small businesses.
Sorry ..if I see a business big or small proclaiming " no cash" ..I go elsewhere.

Are you listening MCC and Marvel ?

TheIanhere

King cash works without AI.
King cash works to feel your balance at any time - jingling in your pocket or purse.
King cash saves you overspending
King cash lets you spend when the NETWORKS are down.
King cash always gets a . . . thank you.
King cash lets my wife feel like a Queen - That makes me feel like a . . . KING!

Sue3263

I am 70 years old and never use cash anymore.
I have a small amount in my purse, just in case, however I find it no problem at all, even at my old age, to grab my card and tap.
Times change. Things are different. We don't ride horses and carts anymore either, but that's ok too.
In fact, I find technology is a huge help for me as an elderly person.
I also think it's better as far as germ transfers goes. No more touching cash that a million people have touched.
I love it.
Not a problem at all for me.

samplekat

Cash may not be "king" in the minds of many, but everyone is still scratching their heads when the power goes off. Many of the cafes I go to take both and are more than happy to display the extra to be paid if using card. Today in our society we think we are so time poor that using a credit card just makes us quicker.

faydabs

I prefer to pay with cash when it is available. I prefer to use this Method as it ensures that I can not go over my budget and cause embarrassment, and is generally easier to complete.

skewsy

Although I always have notes I only use cash these days in one place, for sport.

marktime

Well for me it was a bit of a plus, as i always said if i had to use a card i would walk away, but i was at the bar and needed a beer, on the positive side it was the only beer i had the rest of the race day. i think there will be more and more power outages that some businesses might go 50/ 50 so as not to lose sales completely.

jamiesults

Is Cash still King? My opinion is that yes it is. I type this opinion for the simple reason that EFTPOS/Square terminals and/or Internet Banking apps, ATMs and websites still go down on a regular basis for whatever reason (can't deny that it doesn't happen - because it sure does). It would be very interesting for a local cafe that does not take cash if their own EFTPOS/Square terminals did not process payments for something as simple as a cup of coffee. What then? I wouldn't be counting on a 'freebie' coffee - especially if it means that funds are not being deposited for the work being done by the staff working at any local cafe. The last time I checked, cash is still a legal form of tender when it comes to paying for goods and services and with banks now closing branches as well as removing ATMs at certain locations, this will prove especially difficult when EFTPOS terminals at a supermarket go down - good luck paying for your groceries to feed your family then. The trolley load of items will simply have to stay behind (especially if you haven't got any cash in your pocket and the nearest ATM to withdraw cash is also affected by the same outage). Cash handling is becoming a thing of the past - I can sure understand that. However, the staff working at the local cafe or supermarket are not volunteers and have their own bills to pay - hence the reason for working there in the first place. Cash should be able to co-exist with those who want to pay via any other electronic means and in my personal opinion, cash should be accepted anywhere that an EFTPOS or Square peyment can be made. Cash is not going anywhere anytime soon - and is absolutely still King in my opinion...

the rack

Things have started to be a bit more flexible where I am. Recently, every establishment I’ve asked if they take cash have happily done so, and have in fact looked at me as if I have 2 heads for asking. I think in this time of financial crisis it’s in their best interests to accept any form of payment. Only reason I can think of is, it might be for security to help prevent theft, human error with giving change, and other losses that could potentially occur with cash.

Jeeves01

Although everybody says we need to have cash, and I agree with this although I rarely use it, it amuses me that people always blame the banks for the situation we are in now.
It is in fact the result of CONSUMERS not using cash and preferring to use cards and electronic payments from their phones etc. The banks have only responded to consumer actions and cash is very expensive to handle because of the declining demand for it.
I did think it was illegal for a business to refuse cash in Australia but it isn't. They must clearly state their payment conditions and it is up to the consumer to decide.
I do get caught out very occasionally, as someone mentioned....I was in the city and wanted to give a few dollars to an unfortunate person but couldn't. I just don't carry cash.
The problem of the power going out is a real concern I guess but I will just have to play the odds.
I do hope cash stays around but it probably will disappear within 50 years. Who really knows?

Dee78

I took my kids to Sydney, they’d saved up their pocket money and had cash to spend, only to find the Taronga zoo, sealife etc, would not accept it. They were so disappointed

Kiki Chiki

i think this is a terrible idea. i don't know that cash is king, but cards etc are easily a spending trap for a lot of people. its easy to spend money when you don't see it leaving your hands. also sales on cards involves automatic tracking too. as soon as you use a card, there is a track of where you have been and some idea of what you have bought. its worrying.

jatz50

This is the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard. You can't have a cashless society. I refuse to go anywhere that says no cash allowed. I know of a trial that is happening with a well known coffee place and I think they will lose a lot of customers.
So what happens when the kids can't get money from the tooth fairy, or you can't give some homeless person money to get some food, Kids can't learn the value of having pocket money or to receive money for their birthday from family members.
When I go to buy my magazine in the shop, I don't want to just tap my card for say like $5.99 I have cash in my wallet and will use that.
With cash you know what you have for example, poker machines. Using your card is unthinkable and at least with cash, you can put $20 and not spend anymore if you don't want to. Think about school fetes, or giving donations in those things you see in places. Many a time I have thrown some coins or notes into them for some cause.
Whoever thought of going cashless has no mind. It can't be done. I know an Island up here in Qld has gone completely cashless. I have been there and always contemplated in going back but not now. If I was to go into a place and they were cashless, they would lose me completely. Just tonight we went up to collect a pizza and handed over a $50 note and the lady accepted it with no arguments.
There have been times when I have been in say like Myers and the eftpos machine goes down so you can't pay them but you could pay for cash. Take away cash and you can't buy your goods.

ivory

How do we shop if the power goes off or if the Pcs go down? It just will not work. Cash is a legal tender so companies should not be allowed to refuse to take it.

rebcarmel

I worry about when the internet goes down how are we then meant to pay for anything if shops and cafe's do not accept cash.

lynndi

Cash should always be accepted. I often have nothing on my card, but have money in my purse. I understand it stops staff theft, but I would like the option always to pay cash.

Fatso

Yes i had so I found another cafe who takes cash.

MumAils

Cash should be still accepted anywhere, it is legal tender and if someone wants to use it, why should they be refused?
Especially for people with an intellectual disability who are unable to manage their money with a card and rely on a certain amount of cash to be given to them each day for their everyday activities.
I have noticed a few places that state that they don't take cash, but then when you pay by card, they wack a surcharge on top of the amount you think you are paying!!! That is so not fair. If they only want customers to use their cards, then they should wear the bank costs, not the customers!
In the business that I work, we state that we prefer card paymets, but we will not refuse cash payments if someone wishes to pay by cash, I think this is the way it should be.

Pammy67

I always like to carry some cash as some places actually charge a fee to use a debit/credit card. I don't like to use a card when the purchase is under $10. I work as a volunteer in the canteen at my son's footy club and some put through a purchase that is $2. Many people do not carry cash anymore.

saintrobbie

Well im a cash person and if a shop doesn't take cash i go to well they dont get a sale from me . cash only .

jatz50

Well im a cash person and if a shop doesn't take cash i go to well they dont get a sale from me . cash only .

Absolutely totally agree.

jjdrer

As far as I know cash is still legal. Are the businesses still going to add surcharges as some now do? Many don't have signs up that they do that. Some taxis prefer you to pay by card then charge you fees.

sirrom50

I believe that Cash should still be legal anywhere as it is Legal Tender. If they insist on card only then just refuse and spread the word around about who does not take cash and see how many customers they may lose.

wezo

as a tradesman i want to be payed in cash,cheaper for the customer and less tax for me,a win for us all

cateri

Cash us legal tender. I use cash often. It keeps people in jobs and stops the government from tracking our every cent. Soon enough if they manage to get rid of cash we will be under the governments control. Also using cash is a great way of budgeting and teaching children it's value.

jules 1

I would like to use cash, and a card. I feel it's so wrong how it's turning in to a huge problem for a lot of people (especially the elderly) that have always used cash (not a card) So now out of the blue, we are told we will be a cashless society one day. The WORLD has completely gone crazy!

echo 01

They are allowed to refuse cash as payment, as I am allowed to purchase elsewhere which I do. Cash is my preferred method of payment if they do not take it, I go to someone who dose and there is plenty of them.

breeza5

I don't think it's right that businesses refuse to take cash especially if they want to cater for everyone in society as some people prefer to use cash whereas others prefer to use card. I think they're really restricting themselves when they don't accept cash and I personally would prefer to avoid businesses that only accept card.

Brian1951

We MUST continue using cash - especially for the elderly who don't use cards or apps on phones. If they don't accept cash - go somewhere else.

JennyC.

Cash for some business is not great , since banks have closed their doors in many places . Hard to take the cash to bank for depositing and risky to keep on site.Also for many people having cash on them or on the house also poses a risk with so many break ins or snatch and grabs.Some atms are in very busy places and easy for those looking to do snatch n grab to watch and wait.

Emerald

I use cash 90% of the time and only use my ATM card when necessary. Krispy Creme has become cashless, lucky I don't like Dohnuts otherwise I would boycott them anyway. I don't think that's legal to refuse cash and lucky where I live, it's no an issue...Yet !

adelaidesurfer

Cash is and always will be King.

Grand Hotel Glenelg, SA., went cashless and realised their revenue decreased dramatically so they went back to also using cash.

I actively boycott cashless businesses.

Cashless is highly discriminatory against:
People with disabilities.
Buskers.
Charities that rely on cash donations.
Regional towns affected by natural disaters causing blackouts.
Tourists or anyone that had their card blocked and cannot get a card instantly.
Visually impaired people.
People who do not have digital skills.
Migrants who have never experienced digital payments.

Countries that have gone cashless have reverted back to cash.

How many people all around the world have had their digital footprint/card/account etc been hacked... millions daily.

All of the above is well documented and can easily be seached doing a simple google search.

The risk and issues associated with going cashless is extreme.

cateri

Cash is and always will be King.

Grand Hotel Glenelg, SA., went cashless and realised their revenue decreased dramatically so they went back to also using cash.

I actively boycott...

I'm glad there are people out there that understand the value of keeping cash in circulation. Technology fails often but cash can always be used.

Caitlin3258

I think so. It’s so convenient to have your cards and stuff so accessible via phone, smart watch etc. but also scary how once our money is digital.. does it really “exist”? I’d prefer to have cash assets…

Tedskeeeeez

Cash is still legal tender and to refuse it as a form of payment is illegal, we shouldn't be discriminating against an individual's legal rights and choice in how they choose to access goods and make payments. I'm astonished that we have somehow discarded the wants and needs of the customer as a priority in business principles. Cash is still king in my eyes!!!!!

Ellessri

My bank doesnt charge for ATM withdrawal so I tend to use cash for most purchases to avoid paying a surcharge which seems to be standard these days
I'll only use a card if there are no surcharges and if the business doesnt take cash and does have a surcharge I just won't use them

Rahrah

The fees to get cash out at the ATMs are higher than the card surcharge fees.
However cash is very important for our tourism as it makes Australia more accessible to other countries as they don't need to sign up for an Aussie bank card.

Mikayla31981105

Yes, it is. No added fees, no surcharges. Easier for small businesses to navigate.

Zanyt

Cash is still needed as I went to the hairdresser not so long ago and when I walked in they said their EFTPOS machine was not working so did I have cash to pay for the hair cut because if I did not I could go to the ATM and get some cash before they cut my hair. I still use cash for some purchases as I hate paying the surcharges.

If we still had cash children would learn the meaning of only buying what you can afford and not just think you can buy what ever you like with the tap of a card and have no idea of how much you have actually spent.

Jo

Cash is still legal tender, I use cash most often for small purchases.
What happens when the power is out, they can't accept cards then and no surcharge is applied to cash.

The children like to buy things with their pocket money, it is more exciting and teaches them the value of money.

chocogirl

Cash is still king. Many places stopped accepting cash during and right after the pandemic. Most resmed accepting cash soon after. I use cash to pay in many places especially the ones who surcharge when pay by card. Cash should always be accepted.

Shiralee

Yeap it is still a thing. I recently stopped working in a particular store and half their customers still used cash. And it was people of all ages useing cash

vettsies

Cash is needed. Stop it there will be more scams. Without cash how do we pay if the EFTPOS machines are not working

Pinkie31820124

if you only use card what will you do when the power goes down? ... I believe it is illegal to not accept cash ..I certainly would not go to a cafe that refused to take cash ... Its funny my local cafe started charging extra fee for people using cash ...they are now operating very short hours ... I cannot support such places ..Cash is queen... its just another reason in my opinion that people dont understand how to budget ...a swipe/tap of a card is a disconnection of monies...cheers Pinkie