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.

 

[Suzanne rose]

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

There is only one answer , you will no longer have the service you are refusing to pay

 

[BillW41]

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 nonsensical for a charge to be levied by the organisation issuing the bill - it is not handling the cash!

 

[AlanQ]

So my reading is the fee is payable if you pay by either card or cash. If my reading is correct then a very misleading (sensationalist) headline is all I see this as.

 

[AlanQ]

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.

good luck finding an actual bank ATM in any area. A private operator runs most of the ATM's now and only certain banks have agreements with them to provide fee free transactions.

 

[AlanQ]

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

There is, the RBA is the authority that governs banks. It was the RBA that stopped banks charging other bank clients for using their ATMs, unfortunately, banks got around this by closing ATM and signing agreements private ATM operators.

 

[Fanger]

Some peope commenting here just don't get it. No point in critizing the Post Office, they are just passing on a fee imposed by banks and billers.

 

[gollywog]

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?

IAN3005, I'm like you, I can be a 'nice' customer and hell yes.....rub me the wrong way and I too can be 'the customer from hell'!!! My local shops have seen my 'ugly' side on occasions, I might look old but by god, watch out if you upset me, ask Hubby, he knows!

 

[TheOldDuck!]

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.

So, it goes around in circles as Australia Post charges the Utility for whom it is collecting money. The said utility doesn't want to bear the cost of this service so it passes it on to the PBC (Poor Bloody Customer) who bears all the costs that businesses are not prepared to factor into the running of their business. Let me point out that cash is being targeted because businesses no longer want to be bothered with handling it, account for it and banking it. Post Covid it has become the easy way to deal with transactions with swipe cards, electronic information flow and accounting. But wait, when I go to use my EFTPOS, VISA or AMEX cards at most places in and around Sydney, every business wants to charge me a fee for paying via this method. I totally disagree with there being a charge for paying by cash. I also feel very strongly that the business of charging the general public a fee for paying by whichever card they use should be stopped right now before it gets totally out of hand. We are dealing with dire circumstances at the moment with the cost of living. The practice of charging for card payments just exacerbates the cost of living for all of us, particularly those least able to afford it. It needs a long hard look at the banks whose profits are quite ridiculous and a strong enough government to stop this. Otherwise it will most certainly be "the norm' for us all and that doesn't bear thinking about.



We will be like American soon with a base cost for an item with a plus, plus, plus for various add ons.

 

[Squizzy1]

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.

Of course it's outrageous, but anyone who believes they are dodging fees paying electronically too is a fool, and when totally cashless U won't have a choice or say in what's charged.

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

A thoroughly dishonest, misleading headline, SDC! You make it look like Australia Post is the villain. Go hard on the companies charging the fees, instead.

 

[Sammihp]

Pay with direct debit - you then have a record of your payment too. I avoid any company that charges for a transaction AND anyone who will only accept cash as it’s usually tax avoidance, and whilst none of us like to pay tax, I don’t condone blatant avoidance

 

[David567]

it won't belong before Coles, WW and other business start charging a fee so serve us. Greed has taken over service.

 

[siameezer]

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

You are 100% correct but how would the media confect all the outrage amongst the gullible if they were honest? This is a typical piece written with scant attention to the truth and deliberately trying to con people into believing the charge is just for using cash.

 

[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.

Anybody else getting stupid ads popping up all the time it’s so fkg annoying.

 

[SuzAnneTuc24]

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?

Beyond Bank/Greater Bank

 

[Gsr]

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?

Maybe if the bank has a branch in the town they charge a fee to deposit at a PO. If no branch in town because they shut it down they hopefully wouldn’t charge for using PO.

 

[Gsr]

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.

Goodness me, that is deplorable. I’d be changing banks unless the bank will refund the $3 and stop charging it. One would hope it’s not the PO charging it, I’d be talking to the bank about it.

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

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.

SCAM by any business that charges customers extra for using cash!

 

[Tygie]

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.

Paid a bill last week at aus post with cash and they never said a thing - If they had i would have objected to the fee as cash is legal tender and told them to make a exception or i would call their head office and fill them in on all the locations dirty deeds with customers - even though there is a mini aus post closer to me that is far worse!

 

[Babybird]

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 think it is appalling