A recent visit to a Sydney Coles has one shopper sounding the alarm about the relentless push towards a cashless society.

Tom Budin, a DJ and music producer, was shocked to discover that seven out of nine self-service checkouts at his local store were now marked as 'card only', accepting no cash payments.

Tom shared a video on social media showing the card-only checkouts and zooming in on just two checkouts in the far corner that still accepted cash.

'Only two machines left that accept cash and, mark my words, these machines, in my opinion, will be gone by the end of the year,' he said.

'What a world we live in, ladies and gentlemen.'

Many shoppers have already embraced the cashless move, but others are against completely phasing out cash. Credit: TikTok/tombusinmusic.

This change at Coles has sparked heated debate on social media, with many commenters seeing no issue moving to a cashless model while others vowed to keep using cash.

But cash advocates have warned this is a dangerous path towards excluding those who rely on cash and eroding personal privacy.

'Cashless is great until there's a power outage or our phone dies,' one concerned shopper wrote. Another argued, 'Legally can't say no to cash. It remains a legal tender.'

It is reported that Coles simply said ‘there’s no truth’ to Tom’s claims in his video.

The retail giant has also yet to announce the complete removal of cash self-service options.

Cash advocates argue that Coles has made a 'big mistake' by favouring card payments over cash in their stores. That is why they've launched a petition and called on the federal government to take steps to preserve the use of cash.

Jason Bryce, the coordinator of the Cash Welcome campaign, highlighted that in many Coles stores, customers paying with cash often face longer wait times than those using cards.

'Coles is literally pushing us cashless against our will,' he said.

'Coles can't guarantee their EFTPOS system is reliable 24/7/365. As soon as an outage hits, bedlam ensues, and it's entirely of their own making.'

The petition, which aims to protect the right to use cash for purchasing food, groceries, and other necessities, has garnered over 130,000 signatures as of writing.

Cash Welcome also pointed out that other countries like the UK, France, and the USA are actively safeguarding the use of cash.

Advocates warned that phasing out cash could lead to increased profits for banks, as they receive a portion of every card transaction, and it could also allow banks and other entities to monitor individuals' spending history and locations.

​

This isn't the first time Coles customers have been frustrated by the supermarket's alleged preference for cashless transactions. The recent launch of a new store in Brisbane has also caused controversy.

The new store also features self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, unlike the Sydney Coles Tom went to, 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.

Plenty of SDC members also have much to say about the subject matter.

Member @codac said, 'A cashless society has the potential for complete disaster. The government will have control of all your money.'

Member @ElCee agreed and added, 'It would be a disaster. [It might] work in major cities, but Australia is vast. Many small communities rely on cash. Not everywhere has reliable internet.'

Member @Pammyt joined the conversation and commented, 'I prefer cashless, however whilst cash is still legal tender—cash should still be an option at all supermarkets. Many elderly people in particular and some people who are just more comfortable with cash should be able to continue to use cash.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper has raised concerns about the potential for Coles to become a cashless supermarket after noticing a majority of self-service checkouts only accepted cards.
• The shopper's video sparked a divided response among viewers, with some seeing no issue in moving towards a cashless society and others arguing the importance of maintaining cash options.
• The supermarket has not made any plans to remove cash self-service options.
• A campaign has been launched, gaining over 130,000 signatures, calling for the right to continue to buy food with cash and stressing the importance of protecting the use of cash in Australia.

Members, have you come across these 'card-only' self-checkouts in supermarkets lately? We're curious about your experiences with them. Are you all in for cashless transactions, or do you prefer paying with cash? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Countryjohn]

It’s a common lack of knowledge that cash is legal tender in Australia. It is but if the business displays a sign saying they do not accept cash that’s all they need. This regulation can be found on the ACCC website.

 

[Lorraine White]

A recent visit to a Sydney Coles has one shopper sounding the alarm about the relentless push towards a cashless society.

Tom Budin, a DJ and music producer, was shocked to discover that seven out of nine self-service checkouts at his local store were now marked as 'card only', accepting no cash payments.

Tom shared a video on social media showing the card-only checkouts and zooming in on just two checkouts in the far corner that still accepted cash.

'Only two machines left that accept cash and, mark my words, these machines, in my opinion, will be gone by the end of the year,' he said.

'What a world we live in, ladies and gentlemen.'

View attachment 33717

Many shoppers have already embraced the cashless move, but others are against completely phasing out cash. Credit: TikTok/tombusinmusic.

This change at Coles has sparked heated debate on social media, with many commenters seeing no issue moving to a cashless model while others vowed to keep using cash.

But cash advocates have warned this is a dangerous path towards excluding those who rely on cash and eroding personal privacy.

'Cashless is great until there's a power outage or our phone dies,' one concerned shopper wrote. Another argued, 'Legally can't say no to cash. It remains a legal tender.'

It is reported that Coles simply said ‘there’s no truth’ to Tom’s claims in his video.

The retail giant has also yet to announce the complete removal of cash self-service options.

Cash advocates argue that Coles has made a 'big mistake' by favouring card payments over cash in their stores. That is why they've launched a petition and called on the federal government to take steps to preserve the use of cash.

Jason Bryce, the coordinator of the Cash Welcome campaign, highlighted that in many Coles stores, customers paying with cash often face longer wait times than those using cards.

'Coles is literally pushing us cashless against our will,' he said.

'Coles can't guarantee their EFTPOS system is reliable 24/7/365. As soon as an outage hits, bedlam ensues, and it's entirely of their own making.'

The petition, which aims to protect the right to use cash for purchasing food, groceries, and other necessities, has garnered over 130,000 signatures as of writing.

Cash Welcome also pointed out that other countries like the UK, France, and the USA are actively safeguarding the use of cash.

Advocates warned that phasing out cash could lead to increased profits for banks, as they receive a portion of every card transaction, and it could also allow banks and other entities to monitor individuals' spending history and locations.

View attachment 33934​

This isn't the first time Coles customers have been frustrated by the supermarket's alleged preference for cashless transactions. The recent launch of a new store in Brisbane has also caused controversy.

The new store also features self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, unlike the Sydney Coles Tom went to, 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.

Plenty of SDC members also have much to say about the subject matter.

Member @codac said, 'A cashless society has the potential for complete disaster. The government will have control of all your money.'

Member @ElCee agreed and added, 'It would be a disaster. [It might] work in major cities, but Australia is vast. Many small communities rely on cash. Not everywhere has reliable internet.'

Member @Pammyt joined the conversation and commented, 'I prefer cashless, however whilst cash is still legal tender—cash should still be an option at all supermarkets. Many elderly people in particular and some people who are just more comfortable with cash should be able to continue to use cash.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper has raised concerns about the potential for Coles to become a cashless supermarket after noticing a majority of self-service checkouts only accepted cards.
• The shopper's video sparked a divided response among viewers, with some seeing no issue in moving towards a cashless society and others arguing the importance of maintaining cash options.
• The supermarket has not made any plans to remove cash self-service options.
• A campaign has been launched, gaining over 130,000 signatures, calling for the right to continue to buy food with cash and stressing the importance of protecting the use of cash in Australia.

Members, have you come across these 'card-only' self-checkouts in supermarkets lately? We're curious about your experiences with them. Are you all in for cashless transactions, or do you prefer paying with cash? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Lorraine White]

With everything now going this way I feel that there will be a lot of security problems using cards ONLY on account of how the hackers have been able to access details of transactions, personal details, etc. that a lot of people will eventually lose their money and where does that leave the older generation. Computers have gone too far now. When they first came in back in the seventies it was good because it was only Businesses that used them for their accounts and Business communications. I know because I worked on getting Allan Curtis Real Estate and Heggies Transport on computers. I only wish that we could feel secure with them today BUT we aren't. I pity my Great Grandchildren and hope that cash is used. I only shop where I can use CASH and Tradies like cash because they know that they have their money straight away and a lot will give a discount. Some retail stores will also give a discount for cash also. It is about time things stayed the way they were.

 

[BillW41]

A recent visit to a Sydney Coles has one shopper sounding the alarm about the relentless push towards a cashless society.

Tom Budin, a DJ and music producer, was shocked to discover that seven out of nine self-service checkouts at his local store were now marked as 'card only', accepting no cash payments.

Tom shared a video on social media showing the card-only checkouts and zooming in on just two checkouts in the far corner that still accepted cash.

'Only two machines left that accept cash and, mark my words, these machines, in my opinion, will be gone by the end of the year,' he said.

'What a world we live in, ladies and gentlemen.'

View attachment 33717

Many shoppers have already embraced the cashless move, but others are against completely phasing out cash. Credit: TikTok/tombusinmusic.

This change at Coles has sparked heated debate on social media, with many commenters seeing no issue moving to a cashless model while others vowed to keep using cash.

But cash advocates have warned this is a dangerous path towards excluding those who rely on cash and eroding personal privacy.

'Cashless is great until there's a power outage or our phone dies,' one concerned shopper wrote. Another argued, 'Legally can't say no to cash. It remains a legal tender.'

It is reported that Coles simply said ‘there’s no truth’ to Tom’s claims in his video.

The retail giant has also yet to announce the complete removal of cash self-service options.

Cash advocates argue that Coles has made a 'big mistake' by favouring card payments over cash in their stores. That is why they've launched a petition and called on the federal government to take steps to preserve the use of cash.

Jason Bryce, the coordinator of the Cash Welcome campaign, highlighted that in many Coles stores, customers paying with cash often face longer wait times than those using cards.

'Coles is literally pushing us cashless against our will,' he said.

'Coles can't guarantee their EFTPOS system is reliable 24/7/365. As soon as an outage hits, bedlam ensues, and it's entirely of their own making.'

The petition, which aims to protect the right to use cash for purchasing food, groceries, and other necessities, has garnered over 130,000 signatures as of writing.

Cash Welcome also pointed out that other countries like the UK, France, and the USA are actively safeguarding the use of cash.

Advocates warned that phasing out cash could lead to increased profits for banks, as they receive a portion of every card transaction, and it could also allow banks and other entities to monitor individuals' spending history and locations.

View attachment 33934​

This isn't the first time Coles customers have been frustrated by the supermarket's alleged preference for cashless transactions. The recent launch of a new store in Brisbane has also caused controversy.

The new store also features self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, unlike the Sydney Coles Tom went to, 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.

Plenty of SDC members also have much to say about the subject matter.

Member @codac said, 'A cashless society has the potential for complete disaster. The government will have control of all your money.'

Member @ElCee agreed and added, 'It would be a disaster. [It might] work in major cities, but Australia is vast. Many small communities rely on cash. Not everywhere has reliable internet.'

Member @Pammyt joined the conversation and commented, 'I prefer cashless, however whilst cash is still legal tender—cash should still be an option at all supermarkets. Many elderly people in particular and some people who are just more comfortable with cash should be able to continue to use cash.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper has raised concerns about the potential for Coles to become a cashless supermarket after noticing a majority of self-service checkouts only accepted cards.
• The shopper's video sparked a divided response among viewers, with some seeing no issue in moving towards a cashless society and others arguing the importance of maintaining cash options.
• The supermarket has not made any plans to remove cash self-service options.
• A campaign has been launched, gaining over 130,000 signatures, calling for the right to continue to buy food with cash and stressing the importance of protecting the use of cash in Australia.

Members, have you come across these 'card-only' self-checkouts in supermarkets lately? We're curious about your experiences with them. Are you all in for cashless transactions, or do you prefer paying with cash? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Not only do I want to retain the option of cash over card, I deplore self-service checkouts. Older customers using the remaining one or two cash checkouts in Coles need to be assisted by staff anyway. So what's the point? Service? Blah!

 

[Rob44]

How do I sign that petition?

 

[stafah]

Coles

A recent visit to a Sydney Coles has one shopper sounding the alarm about the relentless push towards a cashless society.

Tom Budin, a DJ and music producer, was shocked to discover that seven out of nine self-service checkouts at his local store were now marked as 'card only', accepting no cash payments.

Tom shared a video on social media showing the card-only checkouts and zooming in on just two checkouts in the far corner that still accepted cash.

'Only two machines left that accept cash and, mark my words, these machines, in my opinion, will be gone by the end of the year,' he said.

'What a world we live in, ladies and gentlemen.'

View attachment 33717

Many shoppers have already embraced the cashless move, but others are against completely phasing out cash. Credit: TikTok/tombusinmusic.

This change at Coles has sparked heated debate on social media, with many commenters seeing no issue moving to a cashless model while others vowed to keep using cash.

But cash advocates have warned this is a dangerous path towards excluding those who rely on cash and eroding personal privacy.

'Cashless is great until there's a power outage or our phone dies,' one concerned shopper wrote. Another argued, 'Legally can't say no to cash. It remains a legal tender.'

It is reported that Coles simply said ‘there’s no truth’ to Tom’s claims in his video.

The retail giant has also yet to announce the complete removal of cash self-service options.

Cash advocates argue that Coles has made a 'big mistake' by favouring card payments over cash in their stores. That is why they've launched a petition and called on the federal government to take steps to preserve the use of cash.

Jason Bryce, the coordinator of the Cash Welcome campaign, highlighted that in many Coles stores, customers paying with cash often face longer wait times than those using cards.

'Coles is literally pushing us cashless against our will,' he said.

'Coles can't guarantee their EFTPOS system is reliable 24/7/365. As soon as an outage hits, bedlam ensues, and it's entirely of their own making.'

The petition, which aims to protect the right to use cash for purchasing food, groceries, and other necessities, has garnered over 130,000 signatures as of writing.

Cash Welcome also pointed out that other countries like the UK, France, and the USA are actively safeguarding the use of cash.

Advocates warned that phasing out cash could lead to increased profits for banks, as they receive a portion of every card transaction, and it could also allow banks and other entities to monitor individuals' spending history and locations.

View attachment 33934​

This isn't the first time Coles customers have been frustrated by the supermarket's alleged preference for cashless transactions. The recent launch of a new store in Brisbane has also caused controversy.

The new store also features self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, unlike the Sydney Coles Tom went to, 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.

Plenty of SDC members also have much to say about the subject matter.

Member @codac said, 'A cashless society has the potential for complete disaster. The government will have control of all your money.'

Member @ElCee agreed and added, 'It would be a disaster. [It might] work in major cities, but Australia is vast. Many small communities rely on cash. Not everywhere has reliable internet.'

Member @Pammyt joined the conversation and commented, 'I prefer cashless, however whilst cash is still legal tender—cash should still be an option at all supermarkets. Many elderly people in particular and some people who are just more comfortable with cash should be able to continue to use cash.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper has raised concerns about the potential for Coles to become a cashless supermarket after noticing a majority of self-service checkouts only accepted cards.
• The shopper's video sparked a divided response among viewers, with some seeing no issue in moving towards a cashless society and others arguing the importance of maintaining cash options.
• The supermarket has not made any plans to remove cash self-service options.
• A campaign has been launched, gaining over 130,000 signatures, calling for the right to continue to buy food with cash and stressing the importance of protecting the use of cash in Australia.

Members, have you come across these 'card-only' self-checkouts in supermarkets lately? We're curious about your experiences with them. Are you all in for cashless transactions, or do you prefer paying with cash? Share your thoughts in the comments below

The Cole's store at Nepean Square in Penrith does the same thing. Often the couple of checkouts where cash can be used are closed or there are long queues so there is no option but to use card only checkouts.

 

[Caron]

My Drakes supermarket has changed ALL of their self serve checkouts to card only, NO cash, most of the time they are empty, but the line up to be served at the registers that take cash is really long. This Drakes is in an area of Adelaide with a large number of aged care homes and retirement villages. It is so sad to see the looks of sadness, shock, and worry on the faces of many of the elderly who use and trust cash only. The use of cash should always be an option.

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

A recent visit to a Sydney Coles has one shopper sounding the alarm about the relentless push towards a cashless society.

Tom Budin, a DJ and music producer, was shocked to discover that seven out of nine self-service checkouts at his local store were now marked as 'card only', accepting no cash payments.

Tom shared a video on social media showing the card-only checkouts and zooming in on just two checkouts in the far corner that still accepted cash.

'Only two machines left that accept cash and, mark my words, these machines, in my opinion, will be gone by the end of the year,' he said.

'What a world we live in, ladies and gentlemen.'

View attachment 33717

Many shoppers have already embraced the cashless move, but others are against completely phasing out cash. Credit: TikTok/tombusinmusic.

This change at Coles has sparked heated debate on social media, with many commenters seeing no issue moving to a cashless model while others vowed to keep using cash.

But cash advocates have warned this is a dangerous path towards excluding those who rely on cash and eroding personal privacy.

'Cashless is great until there's a power outage or our phone dies,' one concerned shopper wrote. Another argued, 'Legally can't say no to cash. It remains a legal tender.'

It is reported that Coles simply said ‘there’s no truth’ to Tom’s claims in his video.

The retail giant has also yet to announce the complete removal of cash self-service options.

Cash advocates argue that Coles has made a 'big mistake' by favouring card payments over cash in their stores. That is why they've launched a petition and called on the federal government to take steps to preserve the use of cash.

Jason Bryce, the coordinator of the Cash Welcome campaign, highlighted that in many Coles stores, customers paying with cash often face longer wait times than those using cards.

'Coles is literally pushing us cashless against our will,' he said.

'Coles can't guarantee their EFTPOS system is reliable 24/7/365. As soon as an outage hits, bedlam ensues, and it's entirely of their own making.'

The petition, which aims to protect the right to use cash for purchasing food, groceries, and other necessities, has garnered over 130,000 signatures as of writing.

Cash Welcome also pointed out that other countries like the UK, France, and the USA are actively safeguarding the use of cash.

Advocates warned that phasing out cash could lead to increased profits for banks, as they receive a portion of every card transaction, and it could also allow banks and other entities to monitor individuals' spending history and locations.

View attachment 33934​

This isn't the first time Coles customers have been frustrated by the supermarket's alleged preference for cashless transactions. The recent launch of a new store in Brisbane has also caused controversy.

The new store also features self-service checkout machines that have left many customers flabbergasted. Why, you might ask? Well, unlike the Sydney Coles Tom went to, 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.

Plenty of SDC members also have much to say about the subject matter.

Member @codac said, 'A cashless society has the potential for complete disaster. The government will have control of all your money.'

Member @ElCee agreed and added, 'It would be a disaster. [It might] work in major cities, but Australia is vast. Many small communities rely on cash. Not everywhere has reliable internet.'

Member @Pammyt joined the conversation and commented, 'I prefer cashless, however whilst cash is still legal tender—cash should still be an option at all supermarkets. Many elderly people in particular and some people who are just more comfortable with cash should be able to continue to use cash.'

Key Takeaways

• A shopper has raised concerns about the potential for Coles to become a cashless supermarket after noticing a majority of self-service checkouts only accepted cards.
• The shopper's video sparked a divided response among viewers, with some seeing no issue in moving towards a cashless society and others arguing the importance of maintaining cash options.
• The supermarket has not made any plans to remove cash self-service options.
• A campaign has been launched, gaining over 130,000 signatures, calling for the right to continue to buy food with cash and stressing the importance of protecting the use of cash in Australia.

Members, have you come across these 'card-only' self-checkouts in supermarkets lately? We're curious about your experiences with them. Are you all in for cashless transactions, or do you prefer paying with cash? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

We definitely need to push against being pushed into a cashless society, there is a number where cash is needed such as when efpos goes down or in a power outage

 

[Observer]

While cash is still legal tender, just in my opinion it really does not give businesses any right to dictate how a purchase should be made regardless how legal it is. It is immoral. Card only or cash only locations miss out on the opportunity to generate additional sales if they don't keep their options open.
I have said this before. EFTPOS/INTERNET/POWER OUTAGE goes down, then all that is left is cash or a non availability of purchase.
Access to card and or cash is fine but options need to remain open.
Might come a time when only Latinum will be a form of currency (some people may actually catch on to my using the word Latinum )

 

[mylittletibbies]

It’s a common lack of knowledge that cash is legal tender in Australia. It is but if the business displays a sign saying they do not accept cash that’s all they need. This regulation can be found on the ACCC website.

Was about to say.the same thing.
I prefer cash myself, but It is NOT
illegal for stores to refuse cash, as long as they have a sign stating so.
I just walk out the door if they won't take my cash
As stated before, the banks already charge merchants for accepting card payments,.how long would it be before they started charging the purchasers a transaction fee if cash was no longer an option.

 

[mylittletibbies]

While cash is still legal tender, it really does not give businesses any right to dictate how a purchase should be made. Card only or cash only locations miss out on the opportunity to generate additional sales if they don't keep their options open.
I have said this before. EFTPOS/INTERNET/POWER OUTAGE goes down, then all that is left is cash or a non availability of purchase.
Access to card and or cash is fine but options need to remain open.
Might come a time when only Latinum will be a form of currency (some people may actually catch on to my using the word Latinum )

Unfortunately, they actually do have the right.

 

[AlanQ]

While cash is still legal tender, it really does not give businesses any right to dictate how a purchase should be made. Card only or cash only locations miss out on the opportunity to generate additional sales if they don't keep their options open.
I have said this before. EFTPOS/INTERNET/POWER OUTAGE goes down, then all that is left is cash or a non availability of purchase.
Access to card and or cash is fine but options need to remain open.
Might come a time when only Latinum will be a form of currency (some people may actually catch on to my using the word Latinum )

except, businesses do under the law of this country have the right to only accept multiples of 10 in a denomination. Heard someone recently on ABC radio complaining the store wouldn't take his bags of .10c coins, was told to take to the bank as they are not a bank and as such exercised their right to refuse the payment.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Might come a time when only Latinum will be a form of currency (some people may actually catch on to my using the word Latinum )

My guess it that is a futuristic currency used in some science fiction book or movie.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Was about to say.the same thing.
I prefer cash myself, but It is NOT
illegal for stores to refuse cash, as long as they have a sign stating so.
I just walk out the door if they won't take my cash
As stated before, the banks already charge merchants for accepting card payments,.how long would it be before they started charging the purchasers a transaction fee if cash was no longer an option.

Nor is it illegal not to purchase from such stores. No skin off my nose.

 

[Veggiepatch]

except, businesses do under the law of this country have the right to only accept multiples of 10 in a denomination. Heard someone recently on ABC radio complaining the store wouldn't take his bags of .10c coins, was told to take to the bank as they are not a bank and as such exercised their right to refuse the payment.

There are limitations set out in legislation with regards to tendering cash as payment. It might be no more than $5 comprised of five cent pieces or something like that.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Nor is it illegal not to purchase from such stores. No skin off my nose.

Totally agree, just walk out

 

[Ronloby]

My Drakes supermarket has changed ALL of their self serve checkouts to card only, NO cash, most of the time they are empty, but the line up to be served at the registers that take cash is really long. This Drakes is in an area of Adelaide with a large number of aged care homes and retirement villages. It is so sad to see the looks of sadness, shock, and worry on the faces of many of the elderly who use and trust cash only. The use of cash should always be an option.

My Drakes in the northern suburbs does not have self-serve checkouts and they still accept cash.

 

[Caron]

My Drakes in the northern suburbs does not have self-serve checkouts and they still accept cash.

That is so good, they only got these a little while ago, so I wouldcexpect your Drakes will probably have them soon

 

[Ronloby]

I am afraid if a store I were to shop at had card only I would not enter it to shop.