Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
  
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
  
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
  
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.
  

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[Littleboy8]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

All my bills are direct debit so much easier.
The $2.20 fee is to pay for the paper it’s printed on and the envelope apparantely.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I thought if you pay any bills at Australia Post using any method of payment, you are charged a $2.20 fee.

I didn't think it was Australia Post charging it. I thought it was the bill supplier. It's a way of trying to get you to pay on line

 

[BabsL]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

It is Un-Australian, Un-Fair and downright Dirty Dealing!
A large company called DEFT is employed by many corporations as a primary payment portal. So DEFT gets paid to ‘collect’ payments.
But, DEFT charges 1.8% for anyone paying by Credit Card via the DEFT phone number. So DEFT gets to double dip and be paid twice.
Given that DEFT collect Owners Corporation Fees of say $4000 per quarter, the amount is pushed up to cost the payer $4072.00
If yr OwnersCorp has major maintenance costs as you hv to take out a loan of $15-20,000., DEFT creams an extra $270-360. per person. In a block of 36 flats, that is $9720-12,960 profit on top of being paid by that same Owners Corporation to collect the payments.

This means the Owners are paying DEFT as an employee to collect their own payments from themselves and at the same time charging its employers to pay their fees!

This is definitely SCREWY!
Surely it cannot be legal, especially when such high amounts are clobbered with fees no matter if you pay by phone and Credit Card, by EFT, by cheque or by cash at the Post Office!
Cheques are heading to be banned.
And we hv been advised that soon DEFT will demand EFT only as they will cease the Pay by Phone option.

How is this legal?
If legal, WHY?
It makes no sense except for DEFT’s ripping off everyone!

 

[MaggieMay1948]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

This is appalling. How dare they? The billers need to absorb the cost and people should also be able to pay their bills at the bank at no extra cost to the consumer. If banks or billers don't want this, DO NOT penalise the customer for a service they refuse to provide.

 

[IAN3005]

It's their way of forcing us to go cashless.
Vodaphone charges a fee for using credit but not debit. I wait for the end of my contract to end then out the door goes Vodaphone......

 

[IAN3005]

Don't shoot the messenger!!!

 

[gamiry]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

thieving BASTARDS. I wonder what would happen if everyone refused to pay the bill.

 

[SuzAnneTuc24]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

I used the Post Office to deposit money a couple of times. On checking my statement I found I was charged for using this service! For depositing!! I found out that it was not the Post Office charging but the bank. Beware members! Check your statements and take it up with your bank.

 

[IAN3005]

I used the Post Office to deposit money a couple of times. On checking my statement I found I was charged for using this service! For depositing!! I found out that it was not the Post Office charging but the bank. Beware members! Check your statements and take it up with your bank.

I bank with the local PO as the local branch has closed and have not been charged but they will hear uncertainly from me.... I can be a 'nice' customer but rub me the wrong way I can also be 'the customer from hell'.
BTW can you tell me which bank it was?

 

[Jetset123]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[Fireflash1]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Money talks, plastic walks.

 

[Cans4]

There should be a government agency looking into these fees, banks charge fees if you use cards, and yet there isn’t an option other than to pay with card for many of these bills. It’s a rort

 

[Carol]

No bank in my area. My bank said use post office. Went to draw $100 cash was charged $3. If banks choose not to provide customer service then the cost should be on them not on the customer. Same as atm machines. Cost should not be on customer.

 

[Pat T]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments belo

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

More Companies to get hold of your bank details. Less security. More chances for hackers. Makes one wonder how many companies have their own hacker connections.

 

[Penny4]

You can pay bills with phone banking instead of the post office and withdraw cash at the supermarket. I wouldn't be paying the Govt. owned post office a fee for the privilege. My mother pays Telstra $2.20 extra for a paper bill. I refuse to do that, and receive my bills by email without a fee. Certain banks have fee free atm's in shopping centres, even though it's not a bank atm. You need to call your bank and ask them.

 

[Iggydi]

I try to avoid paying the extra fees on my phone bill, insurances, electricity and rent by using BPay or Direct Debit. So far there isn't any fees associated with paying that way.
I usually read if there are any fees attached to certain types of payments. What annoys me as well, is the places that don't give you a choice. They make you pay via card and charge as much as $7.95.

 

[Tipsy]

Amid a world where digital transactions are slowly becoming the norm, the charm and reliability of cash remain significant for many, especially for the older generation.

However, a recent incident at Australia Post has sparked outrage among Australians, particularly those wary of the nation's shift towards a cashless society.

A Brisbane woman, Gerrie Hoogland, took to social media to express her disbelief and anger after a friend was charged an additional fee for using cash to pay at an Australia Post outlet.

The friend, who had attempted to pay an $82 bill with cash, was informed that a $2.20 fee would be applied for the transaction.

View attachment 39773

A man was charged an extra fee for paying his bill with cash in an Australia Post outlet. Source: Shutterstock

Gerrie wrote in her post: ‘He refused to pay it after telling them cash is legal tender, and then he left without paying the bill at all.’

This incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism online, with many users condemning Australia Post for what they perceive as a 'shady' and 'disgraceful' practice.

The backlash was swift and severe, with accusations of a 'scam' being thrown around, reflecting the broader concerns of Aussies about the decline in the use of cash and the implications of a potentially cashless society.

It is understood that the fee in question was not imposed by Australia Post but by the biller.

The additional charge is part of a bill-payment fee for services paid in person using Post Billpay, a facility offered by Australia Post for paying various bills.

The decision to pass this fee onto the customer is made by the organisation issuing the bill, not by Australia Post.

‘Some billers charge a bill-payment fee for bills paid in person,’ AusPost stated.

They also advised customers to contact the bill issuer directly to understand the specifics of these charges.

Major phone companies such as Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra have been known to apply a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid at Australia Post shops, with Telstra charging a $2.50 fee regardless of the payment method.

Telstra explained: ‘Australia Post charges the utility for processing the payment, and it is common for companies to pass this onto the customer.’

The incident has highlighted a broader trend in society, with the country potentially moving towards being 'technically cashless' within the next three years.

Cards and digital payments now account for three-quarters of small purchases, a significant increase from just over half of all in-person transactions under $10 in 2019.

The pandemic has accelerated this shift, with many opting for contactless payments as a health precaution.

While the convenience of digital payments is undeniable, the move towards a cashless society raises concerns about excluding those who rely on cash, including many seniors who may not be as comfortable with technology or prefer the control and privacy cash provides.

Financial experts also warned that this transition could make thousands worse off, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that accommodates all members of society.

Key Takeaways

• A woman expressed outrage after her friend was purportedly charged an extra fee for using cash at Australia Post.
• Social media users criticised the fee, with some branding it as a 'scam' and others concerned about the move towards a cashless society.
• It was clarified that the additional charge for paying bills in person is set by the individual biller and not by Australia Post.
• Telstra, among other companies, charges a 'non-electronic-payment fee' for bills paid in person, which is applied whether payment is made by cash or card.

What's your take on this, members? Have you encountered similar fees when paying in cash? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Charging a fee to pay the bill then they can go to hell, we should be charging them for using their service and see how they like it....

 

[Littleboy8]

thieving BASTARDS. I wonder what would happen if everyone refused to pay the bill.

They’d probably cut you off I don’t recommend that.

 

[Southmelbswans]

thieving BASTARDS. I wonder what would happen if everyone refused to pay the bill.

Easy they will be cut off!!!