'No cash accepted': Customers furious over unannounced changes in fast food chain

In a world where the jingle of coins and the rustle of banknotes are becoming rare, a recent move by a KFC outlet has ruffled more than just feathers.

The fast food giant, famous for its finger-licking good chicken, sparked a fiery debate among its Australian customers over a policy that left some customers cooked.


One KFC customer visited the fast food chain's branch in Morisset and was greeted by a sign that read 'no cash accepted'.

Cash enthusiasts have resisted this pivot to 'contact-free' tap payments—a trend that surged at the height of COVID-19.

The incident that ignited the uproar involved an older man who, after braving the rain to treat his family, was turned away for not carrying a card.

The distressing scene unfolded as he was 'refused service' for not using cashless methods.


compressed-kfc.jpeg
As of writing, majority of KFC branches still continue to accept cash payments. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Nedikusnedi


Witnessing the man's plight, a fellow customer stepped in to help.

'I offered to put it on my card, and he gave me the cash,' a customer wrote on social media after witnessing the man's plight.

'Another bloke behind me voiced his opinion against their policy, and we all had a civil discussion about the situation.'

This act of kindness sparked a conversation among patrons about the implications of a cashless society.


The customer's story stirred a heated discussion, with many expressing their dismay over KFC's card-only policy at certain outlets.

While most KFC restaurants still welcome cash payments, a select few have opted for a digital or card-only approach—a decision left to the franchise partners' discretion.

This shift away from cash has not gone unnoticed by the broader community.

In a stand against the rising tide of digital-only transactions, a group called Cash Is King Australia organised 'Cash Out Day' last Friday, 14 June.

Australians were encouraged to withdraw and spend cash in a show of solidarity with the traditional payment method.

The campaign saw ATMs nationwide drained of cash as participants withdrew large sums, with some machines reportedly running out of money due to high demand.

The event also saw some businesses pledge to accept only cash, protesting against the surcharge fees imposed by banks for card payments.

This pushback highlights a growing concern among Australians who feel marginalised by the push towards a cashless economy.


Despite the convenience and perceived safety of digital transactions, the move away from cash has significant implications.

It raises questions about privacy, financial inclusion, and the control over one's money.

Only some people have access to digital payment methods. For others, cash remains king.

A report by the Reserve Bank of Australia in 2023 found that cash now accounts for just 13 per cent of all customer payments in the country.

Furthermore, 72 per cent of Australians consider themselves low-cash users.

Yet, the reaction to KFC's cashless policy suggested that a significant portion of the population still prefers to pay with cash.
Key Takeaways

  • KFC customers expressed their anger after one branch implemented a card-only policy.
  • A sign at the KFC in Morisset indicated that only 'contact-free' payments are accepted, and service was refused to an elderly man who wanted to pay with cash.
  • While most KFC restaurants in Australia still accept cash, a small number have opted for a card or digital payment-only system.
  • In response to the shift towards digital payments, a volunteer organisation declared a Cash Out Day, encouraging Australians to withdraw and use cash for transactions.
What are your thoughts on the move towards cashless transactions? Have you encountered similar experiences where establishments did not accept cash? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below!
 
Last edited:
Sponsored
Since they went cashless , even if it wasn’t all stores, I refuse to buy anything at all from them
I too refuse to buy from them - but the main reason is I can no longer afford them :/
my local 'foodmart' has an $11 bbq chook, less fat, more flavour. And with their loyalty card, the 11th one is 'free' (so, I guess I pay a little extra for the other 10 and have paid for the 11th already :)
a bit smaller than the coles/woolies $12 chooks, but this place is within walking distance :)
 
I went to subway a couple of weeks ago and they had a sign up saying card preferred. I was still able to pay with cash though. I always try to get cash out every week from woolies. I think we should all have the choice to pay with cash or card.
 
The percentage they add on is not alot but you add it up it becomes much more significant over the space of a year on everything you buy if you are being slugged. On the other side if you use your card for every transaction no matter how big and small, every coffee etc it is very hard to keep track, if in fact you do that no one else has not used your card as well.
 
It's not a matter of what's preferred, its about having/keeping choices! There should always be options for BOTH methods of payment!
How dare KFC refuse cash! They will be getting even LESS of my money from now on (& i mean at every branch)! Hopefully more people do the same-boycott them! Bloody American franchise anyway, try your local cooked chook outlet instead, keep the money local!
 
stores that dont accept CASH go and fill the trolley with large amounts of products frozen is better go to checkout cash payment refused leave it there and exit the shop and let staff cleanup or repack.Management will soon get the message sorry for the staff not for the management.
 
Correct me if I am wrong but I thought cash is legal tender and cannot be refused, fine any business who do not accept it.
That's what I was thinking... what do you do under the circumstances????
Happened to me 2 YEARS ago at a Medical Centre, When I offered to pay with cash, as I ALWAYS did in the past, I was told. "We don't take cash anymore." No pre-warning... nothing!
I refused to use my card, as I always keep a small limit and told her she cannot force me to overdraw.
After threatening to walk out without paying, she rudely and reluctantly, while making a big fuss, went downstairs to the chemist, to get change.
I never returned!
 
Correct me if I am wrong but I thought cash is legal tender and cannot be refused, fine any business who do not accept it.
Sadly the government has changed the law to allow businesses that put up signs saying that they won't accept cash to reject cash payments.

It started with Covid scares about cash spreading the virus and stayed in place.
 

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

Latest Articles

  • 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×