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.

 

[Ezzy]

A store which had people queued up to pay cash while the card only check outs were empty should, in good business practice, open up those check outs.

The alternative, though inconvenient for some in the queue, would be to leave their trolley & walk out, as has been suggested here before by members.

 

[grasshopper55]

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.

 

[Leaslife]

It’s not only Coles my local Woolworths has just been revamped and has the same, only 2 cash payment machines. I was waiting the other day for a cash machine and there was 2 people in the same position as me eating and we were all seniors, I had to let a few people through before me that were using cards, very frustrating.

 

[Zemo]

"We don't take cash any more"?
Who are you going to complain to? And what answer would you get if you could actually find a living, breathing, caring human being to do it to?
I know what you'd get ... a photocopy of two fingers extended (Oh, I'm sorry. In these days of universal U.S. influence on our lives, you'd probably get a photocopy of a middle finger extended).

 

[Dija]

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.

I use both, we need to keep cash payments !

 

[MaggieMay1948]

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.

Key issues are
1. Banks are, and will continue, increasing their fees to businesses for EFTPOS transactions, which in turn means those charges can, and will, continue to be passed on to the consumer. It's already happening in many cafes and restaurants. Check your receipts. You'll see it at the bottom if you have ordered your meal using the scan on the table system.
2. Governments want to do away with the black economy. There will be no more "10% less for cash" when paying tradies etc.
3. Paying in cash keeps costs down and protects your privacy up to a point.

 

[Observer]

I use both, we need to keep cash payments !

Optus shut down the other day just proves cash is still needed and for those businesses that insist on card only, then it's their sales loss. No sympathy for them.

 

[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.

I walked out of a Coles store yesterday because of this, leaving my loaded trolley behind. Spoke to the manager on the way out, telling him what I thought. His reply was "there is nothing we can do about it". Another nearby Coles still using serving checkouts then got my business.

 

[Kellettw]

I have attended McGrath Foundation functions recently. There have been 200 club tickets, raffles, silent auctions, scotch toss & street stall to names a few. How do we do these without cash?

 

[Lynnyrose]

My husband and I went to a Woolworths store in Lane Cove & shocked to find they only had one register for cash. Couldn't believe it! We use both card & cash but like to have to option to use cash at times. Especially when we have a huge month of spending on our credit card & wish to use cash to keep our credit card to a minimum. Not happy with the supermarkets decision & we will shop elsewhere in the future.

 

[Aahgee]

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.

Refuse to use self-checkouts and card only. Why should I have to self-checkout when my time is not rewarded by a discount?

 

[52daffodil]

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 recent OPTUS outage shows how helpless we are without electronic communication.

 

[Observer]

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

Their business loss

 

[Geerdina]

If we were to go completely cashless it would spell the end of private sales, for example, Garage Sales. Home owners do not possess eftpos machines.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Their business loss

Foy your information:-

A payment of coins is a legal tender throughout Australia if it is made in Australian coins, but this is subject to some restrictions about how much can be paid in coin. According to the Currency Act 1965 (section 16) coins are legal tender for payment of amounts which are limited as follows:

not exceeding 20c if 1c and/or 2c coins are offered (these coins have been withdrawn from circulation, but are still legal tender);
not exceeding $5 if any combination of 5c, 10c, 20c and 50c coins are offered; and
not exceeding 10 times the face value of the coin if $1 or $2 coins are offered.

Source: https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/legal/legal-tender/

 

[Veggiepatch]

Foy your information:-

A payment of coins is a legal tender throughout Australia if it is made in Australian coins, but this is subject to some restrictions about how much can be paid in coin. According to the Currency Act 1965 (section 16) coins are legal tender for payment of amounts which are limited as follows:

not exceeding 20c if 1c and/or 2c coins are offered (these coins have been withdrawn from circulation, but are still legal tender);
not exceeding $5 if any combination of 5c, 10c, 20c and 50c coins are offered; and
not exceeding 10 times the face value of the coin if $1 or $2 coins are offered.

Source: https://banknotes.rba.gov.au/legal/legal-tender/

I wonder how much coinage a self serve checkout would accept?

Giving other shoppers a dose of the shits while slowly inserting 5c pieces to pay for a loaf of Wondersoft Bread. That's about 90 coins in total!

 

[Rob44]

Stuff Coles! That is the price of allowing supermarkets (for your convenience, of course) to have extended trading hours and putting out of business the family butcher , baker and others who cannot mange 12 hours a day trading 7 days a week. We now have to act as unpaid check-out chicks, carry a plastic card to pay for stuff with all the vulnerabilities that can cause, and now the bloody banks spearheaded by NAB and Bendigo Bank are working to remove cheques from our use. Cheques are a traditional and reasonably secure way of paying bills. There are enough scammers competent to get your data from your computer or anywhere else that uses computers to record your credit/debit card number. How safe is Coles???????? And Woolworth?????????

Supermarkets also centralise shopping so in these days of CO2 induced climate change, and yes it is real, we have to drive to the "shopping mall" rather than walk to the nearby sold-trader butcher, baker, etc etc. when before we used to walk to such places. And driving the car also costs us money.

 

[Parrot]

Apart from some stores introducing “ Card only “ Machines with the minimum of approximately 2 machines allowing “ Cash “ Only I have noticed the Bank I normally use has had their “ Change “
Machine “ Out of Order Sorry “ which to me looks like soon the ATM Machines will also be “ Out of order “ which would indicate “ USE YOUR CARD “ how do they expect some people to “ learn”
At this late stage of their lives how to deal with everyday issues using a Card which some have never owned/used only relying on a Cheque Book and “ CASH “ .

 

[mylittletibbies]

Stuff Coles! That is the price of allowing supermarkets (for your convenience, of course) to have extended trading hours and putting out of business the family butcher , baker and others who cannot mange 12 hours a day trading 7 days a week. We now have to act as unpaid check-out chicks, carry a plastic card to pay for stuff with all the vulnerabilities that can cause, and now the bloody banks spearheaded by NAB and Bendigo Bank are working to remove cheques from our use. Cheques are a traditional and reasonably secure way of paying bills. There are enough scammers competent to get your data from your computer or anywhere else that uses computers to record your credit/debit card number. How safe is Coles???????? And Woolworth?????????

Supermarkets also centralise shopping so in these days of CO2 induced climate change, and yes it is real, we have to drive to the "shopping mall" rather than walk to the nearby sold-trader butcher, baker, etc etc. when before we used to walk to such places. And driving the car also costs us money.

But who is to blame, us, the consumers. We were the ones who abandoned the friendly corner store, butcher, baker, etc.
No one to blame but ourselves, we all wanted the cheaper prices that smaller shops couldn't offer as they don't have the same buying power as the large supermarkets.

 

[Pam71]

If enough people, having piled their shopping into the baskets, find they cannot pay with cash should just leave the store. Letting the store waste their 'valuable' time putting the groceries back on the shelves.