Is going cashless taking away your freedom? Find out how businesses face consumer boycotts

As technology keeps advancing, our society has been steadily moving towards becoming a cashless one. While many businesses have embraced this trend, seeing it as a cost-effective and efficient way to handle transactions, some consumers are staunchly against it, arguing that it violates their personal rights and freedoms.

Now, let's dive into the details of this debate.



Facebook groups like Call Out Cashless Businesses urge its members to name and boycott businesses that don't accept cash payments. Mike Palmer, a resident of Melbourne and the group's founder, explained that his opposition to cashless businesses is based on the principles of ‘freedom of choice’.

Palmer hopes his advocacy will generate enough public pressure to dissuade businesses from transitioning to a cashless system. He acknowledges the convenience and security reasons business owners prefer cashless transactions but remains steadfast in his belief that people's rights should be safeguarded.




compressed-credit-card-g3065d07b9_1280.jpeg
According to business owners who have adopted a ‘cashless’ approach, they claim that it provides a safer and more hygienic environment for their staff. Image by AhmadArdity from pixabay


Many are also concerned that getting rid of the cash option will continue to have a negative impact on consumers in the long term.

One of the main worries for those favouring cash transactions is that digital payment systems could result in increased control over people's lifestyles by government institutions.

This debate has even made its way into the Australian nightlife scene. Fremantle bar and music club Freo Social are among the many businesses facing backlash due to their cashless policy.

While the majority of customers have responded positively, owner James Legge was surprised by the strong opinions expressed by some unhappy customers in response to this change.




compressed-shutterstock_1749759143-min.jpeg
James Legge asserts that cashless payments expedite the service process. Image from Shutterstock



Legge has argued that cashless payments not only enhance customer service but also improve health and safety measures for their staff. This point is particularly relevant during the pandemic, as handling cash poses a higher risk of infection.

However, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 crisis may contribute to the negative response towards the shift to cashless transactions.

Chrissie Maus, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, believes that this backlash could be a residual effect of the pandemic, where people might be reacting to their choices being taken away during the lockdowns.

Moreover, customers are also concerned about potential bank fees associated with cashless payments, which could further burden their finances.



Key Takeaways
  • Businesses that ask for cashless payments face backlash and boycotts from a section of the community that believes refusing to take cash infringes on their personal rights.
  • Melbourne resident Mike Palmer started a Facebook group, Call Out Cashless Businesses, to encourage boycotts of cashless businesses.
  • Some campaigns arguing that cashless payments deny people's freedoms and rights started to emerge at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Fremantle bar and music club Freo Social is among the businesses facing backlash due to their cashless policy, with owner James Legge stating he was surprised by the level of backlash from some customers who were unhappy about the change.
Businesses worldwide must now face the tough decision of whether going cashless is worth forfeiting freedom of choice for their customers.

Although transitioning into a cashless society may seem inevitable as technology pushes us forward, striking a balance and ensuring that consumer rights remain protected will be essential for any business's long-term success.

So, members of the Seniors Discount Club, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you believe in retaining the freedom of choice when it comes to payments, or is the world of cashless transactions the way of the future? Sound off in the comments below!
 
Sponsored
As technology keeps advancing, our society has been steadily moving towards becoming a cashless one. While many businesses have embraced this trend, seeing it as a cost-effective and efficient way to handle transactions, some consumers are staunchly against it, arguing that it violates their personal rights and freedoms.

Now, let's dive into the details of this debate.



Facebook groups like Call Out Cashless Businesses urge its members to name and boycott businesses that don't accept cash payments. Mike Palmer, a resident of Melbourne and the group's founder, explained that his opposition to cashless businesses is based on the principles of ‘freedom of choice’.

Palmer hopes his advocacy will generate enough public pressure to dissuade businesses from transitioning to a cashless system. He acknowledges the convenience and security reasons business owners prefer cashless transactions but remains steadfast in his belief that people's rights should be safeguarded.




View attachment 22157
According to business owners who have adopted a ‘cashless’ approach, they claim that it provides a safer and more hygienic environment for their staff. Image by AhmadArdity from pixabay


Many are also concerned that getting rid of the cash option will continue to have a negative impact on consumers in the long term.

One of the main worries for those favouring cash transactions is that digital payment systems could result in increased control over people's lifestyles by government institutions.

This debate has even made its way into the Australian nightlife scene. Fremantle bar and music club Freo Social are among the many businesses facing backlash due to their cashless policy.

While the majority of customers have responded positively, owner James Legge was surprised by the strong opinions expressed by some unhappy customers in response to this change.




View attachment 22158
James Legge asserts that cashless payments expedite the service process. Image from Shutterstock



Legge has argued that cashless payments not only enhance customer service but also improve health and safety measures for their staff. This point is particularly relevant during the pandemic, as handling cash poses a higher risk of infection.

However, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 crisis may contribute to the negative response towards the shift to cashless transactions.

Chrissie Maus, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, believes that this backlash could be a residual effect of the pandemic, where people might be reacting to their choices being taken away during the lockdowns.

Moreover, customers are also concerned about potential bank fees associated with cashless payments, which could further burden their finances.



Key Takeaways

  • Businesses that ask for cashless payments face backlash and boycotts from a section of the community that believes refusing to take cash infringes on their personal rights.
  • Melbourne resident Mike Palmer started a Facebook group, Call Out Cashless Businesses, to encourage boycotts of cashless businesses.
  • Some campaigns arguing that cashless payments deny people's freedoms and rights started to emerge at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Fremantle bar and music club Freo Social is among the businesses facing backlash due to their cashless policy, with owner James Legge stating he was surprised by the level of backlash from some customers who were unhappy about the change.
Businesses worldwide must now face the tough decision of whether going cashless is worth forfeiting freedom of choice for their customers.

Although transitioning into a cashless society may seem inevitable as technology pushes us forward, striking a balance and ensuring that consumer rights remain protected will be essential for any business's long-term success.

So, members of the Seniors Discount Club, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you believe in retaining the freedom of choice when it comes to payments, or is the world of cashless transactions the way of the future? Sound off in the comments below!
This absolutely violates my private rights on how I pay for goods and services! For a start if there is a cyber attack and the merchant devices go down then how will they expect people to pay for their goods.... I KNOW ....WITH CASH!!!!
 
As technology keeps advancing, our society has been steadily moving towards becoming a cashless one. While many businesses have embraced this trend, seeing it as a cost-effective and efficient way to handle transactions, some consumers are staunchly against it, arguing that it violates their personal rights and freedoms.

Now, let's dive into the details of this debate.



Facebook groups like Call Out Cashless Businesses urge its members to name and boycott businesses that don't accept cash payments. Mike Palmer, a resident of Melbourne and the group's founder, explained that his opposition to cashless businesses is based on the principles of ‘freedom of choice’.

Palmer hopes his advocacy will generate enough public pressure to dissuade businesses from transitioning to a cashless system. He acknowledges the convenience and security reasons business owners prefer cashless transactions but remains steadfast in his belief that people's rights should be safeguarded.




View attachment 22157
According to business owners who have adopted a ‘cashless’ approach, they claim that it provides a safer and more hygienic environment for their staff. Image by AhmadArdity from pixabay


Many are also concerned that getting rid of the cash option will continue to have a negative impact on consumers in the long term.

One of the main worries for those favouring cash transactions is that digital payment systems could result in increased control over people's lifestyles by government institutions.

This debate has even made its way into the Australian nightlife scene. Fremantle bar and music club Freo Social are among the many businesses facing backlash due to their cashless policy.

While the majority of customers have responded positively, owner James Legge was surprised by the strong opinions expressed by some unhappy customers in response to this change.




View attachment 22158
James Legge asserts that cashless payments expedite the service process. Image from Shutterstock



Legge has argued that cashless payments not only enhance customer service but also improve health and safety measures for their staff. This point is particularly relevant during the pandemic, as handling cash poses a higher risk of infection.

However, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 crisis may contribute to the negative response towards the shift to cashless transactions.

Chrissie Maus, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, believes that this backlash could be a residual effect of the pandemic, where people might be reacting to their choices being taken away during the lockdowns.

Moreover, customers are also concerned about potential bank fees associated with cashless payments, which could further burden their finances.



Key Takeaways

  • Businesses that ask for cashless payments face backlash and boycotts from a section of the community that believes refusing to take cash infringes on their personal rights.
  • Melbourne resident Mike Palmer started a Facebook group, Call Out Cashless Businesses, to encourage boycotts of cashless businesses.
  • Some campaigns arguing that cashless payments deny people's freedoms and rights started to emerge at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Fremantle bar and music club Freo Social is among the businesses facing backlash due to their cashless policy, with owner James Legge stating he was surprised by the level of backlash from some customers who were unhappy about the change.
Businesses worldwide must now face the tough decision of whether going cashless is worth forfeiting freedom of choice for their customers.

Although transitioning into a cashless society may seem inevitable as technology pushes us forward, striking a balance and ensuring that consumer rights remain protected will be essential for any business's long-term success.

So, members of the Seniors Discount Club, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you believe in retaining the freedom of choice when it comes to payments, or is the world of cashless transactions the way of the future? Sound off in the comments below!
Would love the freedom of choosing the way I pay, but here in Perth most banks have done away with local branches, so you really have no choice. Especially with the constant break ins etc, its not safe to have monies kept at home.
 
As technology keeps advancing, our society has been steadily moving towards becoming a cashless one. While many businesses have embraced this trend, seeing it as a cost-effective and efficient way to handle transactions, some consumers are staunchly against it, arguing that it violates their personal rights and freedoms.

Now, let's dive into the details of this debate.



Facebook groups like Call Out Cashless Businesses urge its members to name and boycott businesses that don't accept cash payments. Mike Palmer, a resident of Melbourne and the group's founder, explained that his opposition to cashless businesses is based on the principles of ‘freedom of choice’.

Palmer hopes his advocacy will generate enough public pressure to dissuade businesses from transitioning to a cashless system. He acknowledges the convenience and security reasons business owners prefer cashless transactions but remains steadfast in his belief that people's rights should be safeguarded.




View attachment 22157
According to business owners who have adopted a ‘cashless’ approach, they claim that it provides a safer and more hygienic environment for their staff. Image by AhmadArdity from pixabay


Many are also concerned that getting rid of the cash option will continue to have a negative impact on consumers in the long term.

One of the main worries for those favouring cash transactions is that digital payment systems could result in increased control over people's lifestyles by government institutions.

This debate has even made its way into the Australian nightlife scene. Fremantle bar and music club Freo Social are among the many businesses facing backlash due to their cashless policy.

While the majority of customers have responded positively, owner James Legge was surprised by the strong opinions expressed by some unhappy customers in response to this change.




View attachment 22158
James Legge asserts that cashless payments expedite the service process. Image from Shutterstock



Legge has argued that cashless payments not only enhance customer service but also improve health and safety measures for their staff. This point is particularly relevant during the pandemic, as handling cash poses a higher risk of infection.

However, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 crisis may contribute to the negative response towards the shift to cashless transactions.

Chrissie Maus, the Chief Executive Officer of the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, believes that this backlash could be a residual effect of the pandemic, where people might be reacting to their choices being taken away during the lockdowns.

Moreover, customers are also concerned about potential bank fees associated with cashless payments, which could further burden their finances.



Key Takeaways

  • Businesses that ask for cashless payments face backlash and boycotts from a section of the community that believes refusing to take cash infringes on their personal rights.
  • Melbourne resident Mike Palmer started a Facebook group, Call Out Cashless Businesses, to encourage boycotts of cashless businesses.
  • Some campaigns arguing that cashless payments deny people's freedoms and rights started to emerge at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Fremantle bar and music club Freo Social is among the businesses facing backlash due to their cashless policy, with owner James Legge stating he was surprised by the level of backlash from some customers who were unhappy about the change.
Businesses worldwide must now face the tough decision of whether going cashless is worth forfeiting freedom of choice for their customers.

Although transitioning into a cashless society may seem inevitable as technology pushes us forward, striking a balance and ensuring that consumer rights remain protected will be essential for any business's long-term success.

So, members of the Seniors Discount Club, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you believe in retaining the freedom of choice when it comes to payments, or is the world of cashless transactions the way of the future? Sound off in the comments below!
So we can now expect to see a massive increase in shoppers experiencing staff handling our digital payments secretly using our card card details to rip us off. Recently we experienced an unknown person using my wife's debit card to purchase goods from UBEREats, thankfully our St George Bank repaid every cent lost and we hope that the St George Bank Fraud staff have identified the low life creep responsible.
 
I AM A CASHIE THRU' AND THRU' AND LEARNT THE HARD WAY ,HAVING TRAVELLED SOUTH AFTER COVID AND HIT ''HOUSE '' STORE WHERE IT WAS CARD ONLY NO IFFS OR BUTTS.
NO SALE AND HAPPY ABOUT IT.
LAST WEEK TO MOORA CVN PARK AND SAME THING CARD ONLY YEP WOULD NOT ACCEPT CASH EVEN IF I WENT TO THE SHIRE OR LOCAL GULL S/STN IN PERSON TO PAY SO AGAIN THIS SHIRE LOST MY BUSINESS .
ON THE FLIP SIDE I WAS IN GERALDTON WHEN THERE WAS A POWER OUTAGE AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE IN A LOTTA SHOPS SIGNS SAYING GET THIS '' CASH ONLY '' !!!!!!
LOVED IT TO THE MAX ..
 
Last edited:
I do not like the idea of a cashless society. Some stores charge a fee for using credit cards to start with.
the idea of not being able to give the grand children money to buy an ice cream is sad. I doubt that children would learn the value of money if credit cards become mandatory. What do you put in the plate at church?
How do you pay Bob-a-job scouts. It may suit some businesses, but it doesn't suit society.
 
Initially, Credit and Debit cards were only ever introduced as a convenience for shoppers, as another way to pay for purchased items, and for the safe guard of not being robbed because of carrying large cash amounts in ones pockets, but it has seriously gotten out of hand when some businesses demand either cash or card only paying options. And of course if you use a card these days, you cop the whammy of being charged extra for the use of the cards at some checkout locations.
 
I do use my debt card when shopping but then I get cash out as well and use that instead of my card during the week, I won't purchase anything that will put a surcharge on due to using the card and I often get oh you want to pay by cash, okay, because they immediately think you will be using your card. Card is convenient and I don't carry a lot of cash on me, but as Observer said, originally it was for safety now its used all the time with those using it particularly the younger people without any idea of how much extra they are paying by using their card.
 
I am against using Credit cards only. I once went to buy a small kitchen item valued at 9.95 to be told credit card only. walked out empty handed no sale.
What happens to our money if we save for that rainy day? Are we then only able to spend it on something we do not really want just to spend it before the Government decides we are not spending enough? They are always saying two things. One we should save more and then next it's not spending enough for the economy.
CASH for me .
 
I recently booked a doctor's appointment online and had to enter my card details before they accepted the appointment. They charged me a card levy and also a processing fee. And that's before I actually see the doctor. Not happy about that. It is too expensive now to even need to see the doctor.
 
I had to hand back a pan I was holding when I tried to pay cash at Robins Kitchen.

Cash is still legal tender.

I recently heard a report on Sunrise that ACCC confirmed retailers and service providers can insist on card payments.

What if the customer has no card? I don't use cards to shop.

If you provide your card number and the 3 digit number at the back to anyone, s/he can go shopping using your bank balance. This is happening now. A lot.
 
Oh well, I personally boycott businesses that will accept cash only.

Since the pandemic I no longer carry cash with me and I make endless jokes about my partner being a fossil as he religiously withdraws cash on a weekly basis.
I will avoid those businesses that have a stipulation on how much you have to spend when placing an order. A $5 cup of coffee with a minimum spend of $10 using a card. THOSE are the ones l avoid. They have lost my business. There isn't anyone out there that will tell me how much I HAVE to spend.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else
  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×