Australia seems like it’s quickly sprinting towards becoming a cashless society.

In fact, it feels like we are just a step away from fully embracing card-based and digital payments. For better or for worse, the days of our beloved coins and notes seem to be dwindling.

In an intriguing new development, supermarket giant Coles is leading the race to cashless transactions, much to the frustration of many customers.

The supermarket has faced significant backlash over the launch of a new store in Brisbane with a key difference.

Coles’ new store in Brisbane accepts cards only as a source of payment. Image source: Shutterstock.

Do you remember the joy of handling cash, making sure you had the right number of notes and coins for exact change? Well, it seems that era might be winding down. In this new Coles store, there might be no place for those who prefer to pay for their goods with cash.

The new store features a row of self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, they all strictly say 'card only'.

A video showcasing these cashless machines quickly found its way to social media, fanning the flames of debate about the rapid movement towards a cashless society.

'The new Coles, no cash machines at all,' the person filming laments incredulously. These words sparked a slew of contentious debates, even triggering calls for boycotting shops that no longer accept cash.

'Everyone needs to only use cash. If they don't accept cash, then don't buy from them,' one impassioned customer responded.

Another vehemently advised, 'Everyone needs to leave the groceries at the checkout and walk off.'

There's more to this moving away from cash than just the convenience of card payments, though. Several pointed out that Coles' march towards self-serve checkouts spells bad news for potential jobseekers, threatening employment in an already competitive market.

The trend does have its fair share of defenders, however, with many accepting the inevitability of a cashless society.

One person commented, ‘Cash is going. Get used to it. Cash, unfortunately, is mostly used by criminals and tax cheats. More and more businesses are declining to do cash transactions.'

Meanwhile, Coles responded to the video by stating that there are still options for customers who prefer to pay with cash in all their stores.

Coles isn’t the first supermarket chain to attempt a venture into cashless transactions. In 2021, Woolworths rolled out a trial for cashless supermarkets but faced significant resistance, leading to the trial's abandonment. The move was branded as an effort to make shopping as seamless as possible for busy inner-city customers.

Ultimately, customers' preference for cash was overwhelming. 'Cash is legal tender, and I do not support the cash ban and will take my money elsewhere,' one customer wrote defiantly on Woolworths' Facebook page.

The verdict on whether Australia is ready to let go of cash is still open to debate.
While it's true the Reserve Bank estimated just 13% of transactions in late 2022 were in cash, critics argue this push towards cashless transactions could be detrimental to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on physical cash.

Key Takeaways

• Coles is facing customer backlash over a new store in Brisbane where the self-checkout machines do not accept cash, sparking a call to boycott similar shops.
• Despite the move towards cashless checkout, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that there are still cash payment options in all stores, and there are no completely cashless stores yet.
• Woolworths abandoned a trial of cashless supermarkets in 2021 due to fierce resistance from customers who still prefer cash transactions.
• As Australia moves towards becoming a cashless society, critics warn that the decline in the use of cash and physical bank branches could cause significant harm to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on these services.

What do you think of this move by Coles, members? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

[vivd4]

The banks already track our spending and allocate it to categories they have created such as groceries, entertainment, travel etc. It is none of their business what I spend MY hard earned money on. I like the freedom of having cash to spend on whatever I decide without the bank watching over my spending. As long as my mortgage is paid they do not need to know anything else.

 

[IAN3005]

And when the power goes out ? What then ?

TOUGH LUCK!!!!

 

[Apples48]

Australia seems like it’s quickly sprinting towards becoming a cashless society.

In fact, it feels like we are just a step away from fully embracing card-based and digital payments. For better or for worse, the days of our beloved coins and notes seem to be dwindling.

In an intriguing new development, supermarket giant Coles is leading the race to cashless transactions, much to the frustration of many customers.

The supermarket has faced significant backlash over the launch of a new store in Brisbane with a key difference.

View attachment 29142

Coles’ new store in Brisbane accepts cards only as a source of payment. Image source: Shutterstock.

Do you remember the joy of handling cash, making sure you had the right number of notes and coins for exact change? Well, it seems that era might be winding down. In this new Coles store, there might be no place for those who prefer to pay for their goods with cash.

The new store features a row of self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, they all strictly say 'card only'.

A video showcasing these cashless machines quickly found its way to social media, fanning the flames of debate about the rapid movement towards a cashless society.

'The new Coles, no cash machines at all,' the person filming laments incredulously. These words sparked a slew of contentious debates, even triggering calls for boycotting shops that no longer accept cash.

'Everyone needs to only use cash. If they don't accept cash, then don't buy from them,' one impassioned customer responded.

Another vehemently advised, 'Everyone needs to leave the groceries at the checkout and walk off.'

There's more to this moving away from cash than just the convenience of card payments, though. Several pointed out that Coles' march towards self-serve checkouts spells bad news for potential jobseekers, threatening employment in an already competitive market.

The trend does have its fair share of defenders, however, with many accepting the inevitability of a cashless society.

One person commented, ‘Cash is going. Get used to it. Cash, unfortunately, is mostly used by criminals and tax cheats. More and more businesses are declining to do cash transactions.'

Meanwhile, Coles responded to the video by stating that there are still options for customers who prefer to pay with cash in all their stores.

Coles isn’t the first supermarket chain to attempt a venture into cashless transactions. In 2021, Woolworths rolled out a trial for cashless supermarkets but faced significant resistance, leading to the trial's abandonment. The move was branded as an effort to make shopping as seamless as possible for busy inner-city customers.

Ultimately, customers' preference for cash was overwhelming. 'Cash is legal tender, and I do not support the cash ban and will take my money elsewhere,' one customer wrote defiantly on Woolworths' Facebook page.

The verdict on whether Australia is ready to let go of cash is still open to debate.
While it's true the Reserve Bank estimated just 13% of transactions in late 2022 were in cash, critics argue this push towards cashless transactions could be detrimental to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on physical cash.

Key Takeaways

• Coles is facing customer backlash over a new store in Brisbane where the self-checkout machines do not accept cash, sparking a call to boycott similar shops.
• Despite the move towards cashless checkout, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that there are still cash payment options in all stores, and there are no completely cashless stores yet.
• Woolworths abandoned a trial of cashless supermarkets in 2021 due to fierce resistance from customers who still prefer cash transactions.
• As Australia moves towards becoming a cashless society, critics warn that the decline in the use of cash and physical bank branches could cause significant harm to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on these services.

What do you think of this move by Coles, members? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.

This would have been part of the plan for control by locking people in their homes during the Plandemic and making people use cashless payments.

 

[IAN3005]

The banks already track our spending and allocate it to categories they have created such as groceries, entertainment, travel etc. It is none of their business what I spend MY hard earned money on. I like the freedom of having cash to spend on whatever I decide without the bank watching over my spending. As long as my mortgage is paid they do not need to know anything else.

Don't you believe it!!! The time will come when the bank will be watching every move you make..... don't follow the rules.... then the bank will cut you off from all your money. The dystopian society is getting closer by the day.

 

[mylittletibbies]

The supermarket w

The shops will temporarily close because you won't be able to see or be safe, no checkouts will work anyway. So we will just quietly wait for the power servicing personnel to correct the fault and all will return to normal... don't get many power outages these days anyway and when we do, let the whinging begin...

Maybe you don't. Where I live, last year, we had several blackouts which lasted days. One for two days, another for 4, yes 4 days.
Had to travel 70kns to the nearest shops if you didn't have cash..
Won't even be able to do that if we are all cashless!!!

 

[mylittletibbies]

Don't you believe it!!! The time will come when the bank will be watching every move you make..... don't follow the rules.... then the bank will cut you off from all your money. The dystopian society is getting closer by the day.

What's the old saying "Wake up, your king and your country need you".
I don't understand why people don't see what is happening, day by day we are becoming more controlled.
Try to tell people they call you a conspiracy theorist. Do they have their heads in the sand or are they just plain stupid .

 

[IAN3005]

Maybe you don't. Where I live, last year, we had several blackouts which lasted days. One for two days, another for 4, yes 4 days.
Had to travel 70kns to the nearest shops if you didn't have cash..
Won't even be able to do that if we are all cashless!!!

Wait till the blackouts last for a month, or there are certain times of the day when there is no power. We will be a third-world country.

 

[IAN3005]

What's the old saying "Wake up, your king and your country need you".
I don't understand why people don't see what is happening, day by day we are becoming more controlled.
Try to tell people they call you a conspiracy theorist. Do they have their heads in the sand or are they just plain stupid .

It's here, and here to stay. Thank heavens I'm on the way out...... I'll be around long enough to say "I told you so'"

 

[Jpman]

Australia seems like it’s quickly sprinting towards becoming a cashless society.

In fact, it feels like we are just a step away from fully embracing card-based and digital payments. For better or for worse, the days of our beloved coins and notes seem to be dwindling.

In an intriguing new development, supermarket giant Coles is leading the race to cashless transactions, much to the frustration of many customers.

The supermarket has faced significant backlash over the launch of a new store in Brisbane with a key difference.

View attachment 29142

Coles’ new store in Brisbane accepts cards only as a source of payment. Image source: Shutterstock.

Do you remember the joy of handling cash, making sure you had the right number of notes and coins for exact change? Well, it seems that era might be winding down. In this new Coles store, there might be no place for those who prefer to pay for their goods with cash.

The new store features a row of self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, they all strictly say 'card only'.

A video showcasing these cashless machines quickly found its way to social media, fanning the flames of debate about the rapid movement towards a cashless society.

'The new Coles, no cash machines at all,' the person filming laments incredulously. These words sparked a slew of contentious debates, even triggering calls for boycotting shops that no longer accept cash.

'Everyone needs to only use cash. If they don't accept cash, then don't buy from them,' one impassioned customer responded.

Another vehemently advised, 'Everyone needs to leave the groceries at the checkout and walk off.'

There's more to this moving away from cash than just the convenience of card payments, though. Several pointed out that Coles' march towards self-serve checkouts spells bad news for potential jobseekers, threatening employment in an already competitive market.

The trend does have its fair share of defenders, however, with many accepting the inevitability of a cashless society.

One person commented, ‘Cash is going. Get used to it. Cash, unfortunately, is mostly used by criminals and tax cheats. More and more businesses are declining to do cash transactions.'

Meanwhile, Coles responded to the video by stating that there are still options for customers who prefer to pay with cash in all their stores.

Coles isn’t the first supermarket chain to attempt a venture into cashless transactions. In 2021, Woolworths rolled out a trial for cashless supermarkets but faced significant resistance, leading to the trial's abandonment. The move was branded as an effort to make shopping as seamless as possible for busy inner-city customers.

Ultimately, customers' preference for cash was overwhelming. 'Cash is legal tender, and I do not support the cash ban and will take my money elsewhere,' one customer wrote defiantly on Woolworths' Facebook page.

The verdict on whether Australia is ready to let go of cash is still open to debate.
While it's true the Reserve Bank estimated just 13% of transactions in late 2022 were in cash, critics argue this push towards cashless transactions could be detrimental to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on physical cash.

Key Takeaways

• Coles is facing customer backlash over a new store in Brisbane where the self-checkout machines do not accept cash, sparking a call to boycott similar shops.
• Despite the move towards cashless checkout, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that there are still cash payment options in all stores, and there are no completely cashless stores yet.
• Woolworths abandoned a trial of cashless supermarkets in 2021 due to fierce resistance from customers who still prefer cash transactions.
• As Australia moves towards becoming a cashless society, critics warn that the decline in the use of cash and physical bank branches could cause significant harm to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on these services.

What do you think of this move by Coles, members? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.

Its redicules how are charities ,social clubs ,school event,and general oganisations going to get their gold coin donations , let alone gifting money to grandchildren and family.It would also cost thousands of jobs its the big companyies pushing for this to increase thier allready obscenely large profits , if they

 

[Trudi]

I object to being called a "cashed up wanker". I have worked hard my whole life, I have lived frugally, I was a single mum of 3 and I embraced change at every turn. Living in extremely remote locations technology made this so much easier because when you were cut off during the wet the cash could not make it into the areas to replenish ATMs therefore cash was simply not available..no banks out there. I know exactly how much I spend and have never had the message insufficient funds. Please keep your arrogant slurs to yourself and out of your opinions

I'm with you.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I'm with you.

That is your scenario. I also live in a remote location where we had four days without power one of many outages. No power, no money, no shopping, no nothing. So much for a cashless society.
During the floods in NSW they had to fly cash in because even the ATMs were no good.
There is room for both, everybody to their own.

 

[BarryCarmichael]

Australia seems like it’s quickly sprinting towards becoming a cashless society.

In fact, it feels like we are just a step away from fully embracing card-based and digital payments. For better or for worse, the days of our beloved coins and notes seem to be dwindling.

In an intriguing new development, supermarket giant Coles is leading the race to cashless transactions, much to the frustration of many customers.

The supermarket has faced significant backlash over the launch of a new store in Brisbane with a key difference.

View attachment 29142

Coles’ new store in Brisbane accepts cards only as a source of payment. Image source: Shutterstock.

Do you remember the joy of handling cash, making sure you had the right number of notes and coins for exact change? Well, it seems that era might be winding down. In this new Coles store, there might be no place for those who prefer to pay for their goods with cash.

The new store features a row of self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, they all strictly say 'card only'.

A video showcasing these cashless machines quickly found its way to social media, fanning the flames of debate about the rapid movement towards a cashless society.

'The new Coles, no cash machines at all,' the person filming laments incredulously. These words sparked a slew of contentious debates, even triggering calls for boycotting shops that no longer accept cash.

'Everyone needs to only use cash. If they don't accept cash, then don't buy from them,' one impassioned customer responded.

Another vehemently advised, 'Everyone needs to leave the groceries at the checkout and walk off.'

There's more to this moving away from cash than just the convenience of card payments, though. Several pointed out that Coles' march towards self-serve checkouts spells bad news for potential jobseekers, threatening employment in an already competitive market.

The trend does have its fair share of defenders, however, with many accepting the inevitability of a cashless society.

One person commented, ‘Cash is going. Get used to it. Cash, unfortunately, is mostly used by criminals and tax cheats. More and more businesses are declining to do cash transactions.'

Meanwhile, Coles responded to the video by stating that there are still options for customers who prefer to pay with cash in all their stores.

Coles isn’t the first supermarket chain to attempt a venture into cashless transactions. In 2021, Woolworths rolled out a trial for cashless supermarkets but faced significant resistance, leading to the trial's abandonment. The move was branded as an effort to make shopping as seamless as possible for busy inner-city customers.

Ultimately, customers' preference for cash was overwhelming. 'Cash is legal tender, and I do not support the cash ban and will take my money elsewhere,' one customer wrote defiantly on Woolworths' Facebook page.

The verdict on whether Australia is ready to let go of cash is still open to debate.
While it's true the Reserve Bank estimated just 13% of transactions in late 2022 were in cash, critics argue this push towards cashless transactions could be detrimental to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on physical cash.

Key Takeaways

• Coles is facing customer backlash over a new store in Brisbane where the self-checkout machines do not accept cash, sparking a call to boycott similar shops.
• Despite the move towards cashless checkout, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that there are still cash payment options in all stores, and there are no completely cashless stores yet.
• Woolworths abandoned a trial of cashless supermarkets in 2021 due to fierce resistance from customers who still prefer cash transactions.
• As Australia moves towards becoming a cashless society, critics warn that the decline in the use of cash and physical bank branches could cause significant harm to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on these services.

What do you think of this move by Coles, members? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.

The whole chain of supply and delivery of all goods has been cashless for a long time. It's only the end of the chain that a few want to use cash. There is no reason that stands up to use cash any more. If the power goes out you still can,t buy because all the systems are electronic.

 

[Luckyus]

Australia seems like it’s quickly sprinting towards becoming a cashless society.

In fact, it feels like we are just a step away from fully embracing card-based and digital payments. For better or for worse, the days of our beloved coins and notes seem to be dwindling.

In an intriguing new development, supermarket giant Coles is leading the race to cashless transactions, much to the frustration of many customers.

The supermarket has faced significant backlash over the launch of a new store in Brisbane with a key difference.

View attachment 29142

Coles’ new store in Brisbane accepts cards only as a source of payment. Image source: Shutterstock.

Do you remember the joy of handling cash, making sure you had the right number of notes and coins for exact change? Well, it seems that era might be winding down. In this new Coles store, there might be no place for those who prefer to pay for their goods with cash.

The new store features a row of self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, they all strictly say 'card only'.

A video showcasing these cashless machines quickly found its way to social media, fanning the flames of debate about the rapid movement towards a cashless society.

'The new Coles, no cash machines at all,' the person filming laments incredulously. These words sparked a slew of contentious debates, even triggering calls for boycotting shops that no longer accept cash.

'Everyone needs to only use cash. If they don't accept cash, then don't buy from them,' one impassioned customer responded.

Another vehemently advised, 'Everyone needs to leave the groceries at the checkout and walk off.'

There's more to this moving away from cash than just the convenience of card payments, though. Several pointed out that Coles' march towards self-serve checkouts spells bad news for potential jobseekers, threatening employment in an already competitive market.

The trend does have its fair share of defenders, however, with many accepting the inevitability of a cashless society.

One person commented, ‘Cash is going. Get used to it. Cash, unfortunately, is mostly used by criminals and tax cheats. More and more businesses are declining to do cash transactions.'

Meanwhile, Coles responded to the video by stating that there are still options for customers who prefer to pay with cash in all their stores.

Coles isn’t the first supermarket chain to attempt a venture into cashless transactions. In 2021, Woolworths rolled out a trial for cashless supermarkets but faced significant resistance, leading to the trial's abandonment. The move was branded as an effort to make shopping as seamless as possible for busy inner-city customers.

Ultimately, customers' preference for cash was overwhelming. 'Cash is legal tender, and I do not support the cash ban and will take my money elsewhere,' one customer wrote defiantly on Woolworths' Facebook page.

The verdict on whether Australia is ready to let go of cash is still open to debate.
While it's true the Reserve Bank estimated just 13% of transactions in late 2022 were in cash, critics argue this push towards cashless transactions could be detrimental to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on physical cash.

Key Takeaways

• Coles is facing customer backlash over a new store in Brisbane where the self-checkout machines do not accept cash, sparking a call to boycott similar shops.
• Despite the move towards cashless checkout, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that there are still cash payment options in all stores, and there are no completely cashless stores yet.
• Woolworths abandoned a trial of cashless supermarkets in 2021 due to fierce resistance from customers who still prefer cash transactions.
• As Australia moves towards becoming a cashless society, critics warn that the decline in the use of cash and physical bank branches could cause significant harm to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on these services.

What do you think of this move by Coles, members? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.

Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin.

 

[Trudi]

Just a couple of thoughts -

This is an "old farts" club for people over 60 years of age and it would be reasonable to expect that the people running this website would be in a similar age group. Has anyone ever looked at their profiles?

I remember that when I was in my 30s I was of the opinion that anyone over 50 was a worn out old fossil and their opinions were so outdated that I simply ignored them altogether. The people behind this website all fall into the 30s to 40s age group and I am sure they are having a ball reading a lot of the reactions from us old fossils, such as "I insist on using cash", I won't use a self serve check-out", "it's all a government conspiracy", "pay us more pension and don't give any money to the unemployed" etc, etc.

Getting back to the topic of this thread, I don't remember when I last used cash when shopping, it must have been sometime in the mid-70s. My salary was being paid by cheque then and this meant a trip to the bank every second week to deposit the cheque, luckily, payroll cheques used to be exempt from the waiting periods that cheques are subject to.

Back then I was using cheques for my purchases and a bloody pain in the rear they used to be when you had to line up at the service counter to get your cheque approved before you could pay for your groceries! Also, who remembers that there used to be stamp duty on each cheque which had to be paid up-front when ordering a cheque book?

Also in the mid-70s we got the Bankcard, which was a credit card that was valid in only in Australia, and I was doing the bulk of my purchases with it, exept for groceries as we were not allowed to use a credit card for groceries (no government control back then...).

I guess I have not really used much in the way of cash for at least 50 years and I know that I am not the only one.

 

[BillW41]

Australia seems like it’s quickly sprinting towards becoming a cashless society.

In fact, it feels like we are just a step away from fully embracing card-based and digital payments. For better or for worse, the days of our beloved coins and notes seem to be dwindling.

In an intriguing new development, supermarket giant Coles is leading the race to cashless transactions, much to the frustration of many customers.

The supermarket has faced significant backlash over the launch of a new store in Brisbane with a key difference.

View attachment 29142

Coles’ new store in Brisbane accepts cards only as a source of payment. Image source: Shutterstock.

Do you remember the joy of handling cash, making sure you had the right number of notes and coins for exact change? Well, it seems that era might be winding down. In this new Coles store, there might be no place for those who prefer to pay for their goods with cash.

The new store features a row of self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, they all strictly say 'card only'.

A video showcasing these cashless machines quickly found its way to social media, fanning the flames of debate about the rapid movement towards a cashless society.

'The new Coles, no cash machines at all,' the person filming laments incredulously. These words sparked a slew of contentious debates, even triggering calls for boycotting shops that no longer accept cash.

'Everyone needs to only use cash. If they don't accept cash, then don't buy from them,' one impassioned customer responded.

Another vehemently advised, 'Everyone needs to leave the groceries at the checkout and walk off.'

There's more to this moving away from cash than just the convenience of card payments, though. Several pointed out that Coles' march towards self-serve checkouts spells bad news for potential jobseekers, threatening employment in an already competitive market.

The trend does have its fair share of defenders, however, with many accepting the inevitability of a cashless society.

One person commented, ‘Cash is going. Get used to it. Cash, unfortunately, is mostly used by criminals and tax cheats. More and more businesses are declining to do cash transactions.'

Meanwhile, Coles responded to the video by stating that there are still options for customers who prefer to pay with cash in all their stores.

Coles isn’t the first supermarket chain to attempt a venture into cashless transactions. In 2021, Woolworths rolled out a trial for cashless supermarkets but faced significant resistance, leading to the trial's abandonment. The move was branded as an effort to make shopping as seamless as possible for busy inner-city customers.

Ultimately, customers' preference for cash was overwhelming. 'Cash is legal tender, and I do not support the cash ban and will take my money elsewhere,' one customer wrote defiantly on Woolworths' Facebook page.

The verdict on whether Australia is ready to let go of cash is still open to debate.
While it's true the Reserve Bank estimated just 13% of transactions in late 2022 were in cash, critics argue this push towards cashless transactions could be detrimental to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on physical cash.

Key Takeaways

• Coles is facing customer backlash over a new store in Brisbane where the self-checkout machines do not accept cash, sparking a call to boycott similar shops.
• Despite the move towards cashless checkout, a Coles spokesperson confirmed that there are still cash payment options in all stores, and there are no completely cashless stores yet.
• Woolworths abandoned a trial of cashless supermarkets in 2021 due to fierce resistance from customers who still prefer cash transactions.
• As Australia moves towards becoming a cashless society, critics warn that the decline in the use of cash and physical bank branches could cause significant harm to older people and those with disabilities who still rely on these services.

What do you think of this move by Coles, members? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments section below.

The French did this when a supermarket chain decided to go cashless. 50 people organised to go to the supermarket at the same time took their full trolleys to the cashless checkout walked away and left the goods at the checkout. The supermarket changed back very quickly.

 

[Jump]

I definitely do not agree with going cashless. Cash is written into our constitution and every person should have the choice to pay in which ever way they like.

If we are going cashless without choice then the government needs to supply us all with computers - iPads or whatever - just another expense for people on fixed incomes!

 

[Trudi]

That is your scenario. I also live in a remote location where we had four days without power one of many outages. No power, no money, no shopping, no nothing. So much for a cashless society.
During the floods in NSW they had to fly cash in because even the ATMs were no good.
There is room for both, everybody to their own.

"No power, no money, no shopping, no nothing. So much for a cashless society."

What did you need cash for when you could not do any shopping because of the flood?????

 

[Jump]

Just a couple of thoughts -

This is an "old farts" club for people over 60 years of age and it would be reasonable to expect that the people running this website would be in a similar age group. Has anyone ever looked at their profiles?

I remember that when I was in my 30s I was of the opinion that anyone over 50 was a worn out old fossil and their opinions were so outdated that I simply ignored them altogether. The people behind this website all fall into the 30s to 40s age group and I am sure they are having a ball reading a lot of the reactions from us old fossils, such as "I insist on using cash", I won't use a self serve check-out", "it's all a government conspiracy", "pay us more pension and don't give any money to the unemployed" etc, etc.

Getting back to the topic of this thread, I don't remember when I last used cash when shopping, it must have been sometime in the mid-70s. My salary was being paid by cheque then and this meant a trip to the bank every second week to deposit the cheque, luckily, payroll cheques used to be exempt from the waiting periods that cheques are subject to.

Back then I was using cheques for my purchases and a bloody pain in the rear they used to be when you had to line up at the service counter to get your cheque approved before you could pay for your groceries! Also, who remembers that there used to be stamp duty on each cheque which had to be paid up-front when ordering a cheque book?

Also in the mid-70s we got the Bankcard, which was a credit card that was valid in only in Australia, and I was doing the bulk of my purchases with it, exept for groceries as we were not allowed to use a credit card for groceries (no government control back then...).

I guess I have not really used much in the way of cash for at least 50 years and I know that I am not the only one.

Not the point should still be a matter of choice!

 

[Trudi]

If we are going cashless without choice then the government needs to supply us all with computers - iPads or whatever - just another expense for people on fixed incomes!

Ever heard of a DEBIT CARD? It's a piece of plastic you keep in your wallet and you use it to pay for your purchases. Keep a notebook into which you write down your purchases - no computer needed!

 

[BillW41]

As a retired bank manager, I find this move away from cash - and removal of cash from bank branches - quite bizarre. Cash is still legal tender and should be accepted by all businesses. Apart from supermarkets inconveniencing customers, a forgotten fact in banking is that, if a bank cannot provide the cash you require, it is obliged to provide a bank cheque for the amount free of charge.