In an era where digital transactions are becoming the norm, a significant movement is rising from the shadows, advocating for the preservation of a more traditional method of payment: cash.

This movement, with a strong online presence and a community of over 50,000 members, is calling for a nationwide boycott of supermarket behemoths Coles and Woolworths.

But why, you might ask, are these pro-cash advocates taking such a stand?

The group, known as Call out Cashless Businesses, is urging Australians to take their business elsewhere, specifically to family-owned stores, in protest against what they perceive as an encroachment on consumer choice and autonomy.

The boycott, announced on May 4, is not just a fleeting moment of consumer activism; it's a statement against the increasing shift towards a cashless society that these advocates labelled ‘financial fascism’.

The Call out Cashless Businesses group urged a boycott of Coles and Woolworths over their payment policies. Credits: Shutterstock

The sentiment among the group's members is strong.

Supporters viewed the boycott as ‘important’, demonstrating that they ‘won’t be controlled’, while many commenters stated that they already avoided major chains on a daily basis.

‘I prefer to shop at Drakes, IGA, and Foodland in South Australia. No self-serve with these supermarkets. They create jobs for the community,’ one member shared.

‘I don’t shop at either anyway (unless an emergency) so the 4th is just another day. Started my own personal protest against them years ago,’ another commented.

The pro-cash movement's concerns extend beyond a preference for physical currency.

They touch on broader issues such as job preservation, support for local farmers, and resistance to what they see as large corporations' overreach.

The criticism of Coles and Woolworths intensified late last year when Woolworths announced a reduction in the amount of cash customers could withdraw, along with the requirement of a purchase to do so.

This movement isn't isolated to supermarkets alone.

A variety of businesses, from banks to amusement parks and restaurant chains, have felt the heat from the pro-cash community.

For instance, Nando's faced backlash after a cheeky announcement about going cashless, and Macquarie Bank's decision to eliminate cash services was met with similar disapproval.

Key Takeaways

• A group of pro-cash advocates called for a boycott of Coles and Woolworths due to their payment policies.
• The Call out Cashless Businesses group, which has over 50,000 members on social media, encouraged Australians to support family businesses instead.
• The community voiced its opposition to the increasing prioritisation of automation and cashless payments, describing it as 'financial fascism'.
• Both Coles and Woolworths, along with other businesses, have seen criticism for policies perceived as moving away from cash transactions.

What are your thoughts on this cash versus cashless debate? Have you felt pressured to abandon cash at your local supermarkets? Do you support the boycott of Coles and Woolworths, or do you see the shift towards cashless payments as an inevitable part of progress?

Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

 

[IAN3005]

I considered doing that at the Dandenong Plaza Coles with a leg of Christmas ham. The strange thing is the chilled Halal meat display is RIGHT next to the processed ham, salami and proscuitto display!

Better still...oops my mistake......

 

[Kay Christensen]

I absolutely don't approve of supermarkets' attempts to force customers to go cashless! Cash is legal tender & will always be handy for things like birthday gifts for little children! The way I see it, supermarkets have a duty to provide employment for those who, for one reason or another, haven't undertaken higher education; they rake in exorbitant profits for their shareholders & with the shorter trading hours of banks these days it's too hard for customers to draw cash there! And in this digital age, what about times when banks go off-line or customers in country areas have to drive hundreds of miles to access cash, or bank their takings? No, there'll always be a need for cash: we don't have to spell it out! I'm glad to see the groundswell of support for availability of cash is beginning to become apparent. We must all take up the fight & not back down!

 

[Wattoval]

Before this cashless society became a thing I must admit I used my card for my shopping
After realising the far reaching implications of a cashless society I now withdraw my living expenses from the ATM and shop only with cash.
It also made me realise how much I was spending on the card. When you can literally see your money disappearing it makes you more careful and you don't tend to buy rubbish on a whim.
I don't spend nearly as much now.

That’s so correct, I as well take cash out every week, however with the cost of food, my money needs to increase.

 

[Wattoval]

Still a cash man, can list at least 14 shops I have stopped buying from since they went 'card only.' have also cancelled the emails I use to get from them and told them why.... response from a few of them was..'you will soon have no choice but to get a card', was the arrogant reply. I have noticed that there were not many local small shops in my area, some of which have already closed, no doubt from not being able to compete with the 'big bullies'. Banks are the driving force behind this 'cash-less' society, their bottom line is greatly increased... closing agencies (no rent to pay), less staff, (wages cut, super cut, sick-leave/holiday leave/maternity leave/work related injury payments are all greatly reduced.. 'CUSTOMER SERVICE' are two words that will disappear from use in the business world.. Jobs will also decline, you only have to look at how many staff are on duty in the supermarkets. Those that are, are also stacking shelves, changing price dockets, mopping floors whilst customers are lining up at 1-2 check-outs, or standing in a queue waiting for the 'robot check-outs'... What I am wondering is, if all those who are 'card happy' are keeping a total of the 'fees' that are added onto every card transaction, remember Banks can ramp up their fee charges any time they like, which then flows down the system eventually ending in the customers pocket, where more money is being taken out for no other reason than to increase someone's bottom line. As for changing Banks, something that is frequently stated by Politicians to get a better deal, forget it, the CEO's meet regularly over lunch/dinner and discuss how they can 'stick-it to customers.' How do they get away with it you ask... not one person was, within the Banking system, charged as a result of the Royal Commission even though there were numerous counts of fraud, obtain a financial advantage by deception, none were taken out against anybody. Sure, fines were issued for breaking financial ethics and these were paid however, Banks soon recouped these by increasing costs, reducing interest rates and 'other legal non-descript methods.

The biggest problem is, Banks are closing in many regional areas, this makes it extremely difficult for those who don’t or can’t drive, shops will close as well, nowhere to get change etc.
The Banks run this country, Pollies too gutless to stand up to them.

 

[Lizzylou]

I prefer to use cash whenever I can, until a shop stops taking cash altogether I will still go in and get what I need using cash as much as possible. I am all for boycotting stores but I also think you need to get the younger generation on board, it is mainly because they use card that we are having this issue, I do mean the ages of teenager and 35/40 year olds. Also someone mentioned " ‘I prefer to shop at Drakes, IGA, and Foodland in South Australia. No self-serve with these supermarkets. They create jobs for the community,’ " I know a Drakes that does have self-serve in Woodcroft so there are a few around but granted not many, however I also find their prices are dearer so really it is a catch 22. I do however find I am looking at the specials more than I used to, to make the money I do have go further.

 

[saundy]

So many want a cashless world, however your comment about Optus, not only stopped people in their tracks but made many angry because they could not buy their daily x 4 coffees.
Can’t have it both ways.

You hit the nail right on the head, Very well put