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