Retail giants criticised by shoppers for implementing controversial in-store policies
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Have you noticed something off during your last supermarket run?
Maybe you reached for your wallet, ready to hand over a crisp banknote, only to be met with a cold screen and a subtle sense of rejection.
If so, you're not alone, and you're not imagining things.
A quiet but significant shift is happening in Australia's major supermarkets, and it's leaving many Aussies feeling left out.
Shoppers nationwide have been reporting that cash payment options at self-serve check-outs are slowly vanishing.
While both Coles and Woolworths still accept cash, finding a self-serve machine that lets shoppers use cash has become a game of hide and seek.
A recent investigation in Sydney's inner west found that in a Woolworths store in Balmain, only two out of 14 self-serve check-outs accepted cash.
The rest, however, were strictly card-only.
At another Woolworths store in Leichhardt, only six out of 18 machines took cash.
The cash-friendly check-outs are wrapped in neon green, while the card-only ones are in sleek black, differentiating both check-out counters.
On the other hand, Coles has been taking things a step further.
At a Coles store in Birkenhead Point, self-serve check-outs do not accept cash.
If a customer wanted to pay in cash, they had to queue 'at the assisted check-outs, but no one is working them right now'.
This creeping trend has become a real problem for many Australians, especially for certain members of the community.
Critics argued that the move away from cash could leave out seniors, low-income earners, and those who do not rely on digital payments.
Jason Bryce, the campaign manager behind CashWelcome, claimed that this trend is 'actively discriminating against cash users.'
'I want to use that word. because I know that the supermarkets actively discriminate against the millions of Australians who use cash,' Mr Bryce said in an interview.
'I get emails regularly from people who have complained to Coles and Woolies and to the ACCC, RBA, Human Rights Commission because cash users are forced to wait for 10 minutes for a cash accepting terminal to become free. Meanwhile, the card users sail straight through,' Mr Bryce lamented.
'They've got to do more than accept cash. 'Cash has got to be equal to the other payment options. All terminals should accept cash and card.'
It's not just about convenience or inclusion; there's a financial sting in the tail, too.
Australians spend around $140 a year on card surcharges and fees, and the real figure could even go higher.
The Federal Government announced its plans to ban debit card surcharges starting 1 January 2026.
While this could save consumers up to $500 million a year, not everyone is convinced that this could help shoppers.
'If there's a ban on surcharges, those costs will become absorbed in the payment, and we won't know what the cost is anymore. That's a big problem,' Mr Bryce argued.
Several SDC members have shared their thoughts about this looming change on card surcharges.
'All talk. Just like they were going to make it illegal for companies "not to accept cash". All big talk and nothing has happened,' SDC member @BruceC wrote.
'I am perfectly happy to pay charges for using my credit card, as I am gaining time, but I am becoming increasingly frustrated when being charged for using my debit card, which immediately comes out of my personal account,' member @anneh.63 shared.
'I don't carry hundreds of dollars cash but I use cash now more than I have in recent years. It concerns me that the charges will be waived until cash is a thing of the past then BAM.... charges everywhere!'
As the push towards a cashless society gathers pace, it's more important than ever to make your voice heard.
Whether you rely on cash every day or just like to keep your options open, this is an issue that affects the country.
Have you struggled to pay with cash at your local supermarket? Do you feel like you're being nudged towards card payments, whether you like it or not? Share your experiences, frustrations, and money tips in the comments below.
MORE: Looming money overhaul spells danger for cash users! Here's what you can do
Maybe you reached for your wallet, ready to hand over a crisp banknote, only to be met with a cold screen and a subtle sense of rejection.
If so, you're not alone, and you're not imagining things.
A quiet but significant shift is happening in Australia's major supermarkets, and it's leaving many Aussies feeling left out.
Shoppers nationwide have been reporting that cash payment options at self-serve check-outs are slowly vanishing.
While both Coles and Woolworths still accept cash, finding a self-serve machine that lets shoppers use cash has become a game of hide and seek.
Supermarkets have leaned towards cashless payment options, alienating cash users. Image Credit: Pexels/Kampus Production
A recent investigation in Sydney's inner west found that in a Woolworths store in Balmain, only two out of 14 self-serve check-outs accepted cash.
The rest, however, were strictly card-only.
At another Woolworths store in Leichhardt, only six out of 18 machines took cash.
The cash-friendly check-outs are wrapped in neon green, while the card-only ones are in sleek black, differentiating both check-out counters.
On the other hand, Coles has been taking things a step further.
At a Coles store in Birkenhead Point, self-serve check-outs do not accept cash.
If a customer wanted to pay in cash, they had to queue 'at the assisted check-outs, but no one is working them right now'.
This creeping trend has become a real problem for many Australians, especially for certain members of the community.
Critics argued that the move away from cash could leave out seniors, low-income earners, and those who do not rely on digital payments.
Jason Bryce, the campaign manager behind CashWelcome, claimed that this trend is 'actively discriminating against cash users.'
'I want to use that word. because I know that the supermarkets actively discriminate against the millions of Australians who use cash,' Mr Bryce said in an interview.
'I get emails regularly from people who have complained to Coles and Woolies and to the ACCC, RBA, Human Rights Commission because cash users are forced to wait for 10 minutes for a cash accepting terminal to become free. Meanwhile, the card users sail straight through,' Mr Bryce lamented.
'They've got to do more than accept cash. 'Cash has got to be equal to the other payment options. All terminals should accept cash and card.'
It's not just about convenience or inclusion; there's a financial sting in the tail, too.
Australians spend around $140 a year on card surcharges and fees, and the real figure could even go higher.
The Federal Government announced its plans to ban debit card surcharges starting 1 January 2026.
While this could save consumers up to $500 million a year, not everyone is convinced that this could help shoppers.
'If there's a ban on surcharges, those costs will become absorbed in the payment, and we won't know what the cost is anymore. That's a big problem,' Mr Bryce argued.
Several SDC members have shared their thoughts about this looming change on card surcharges.
'All talk. Just like they were going to make it illegal for companies "not to accept cash". All big talk and nothing has happened,' SDC member @BruceC wrote.
'I am perfectly happy to pay charges for using my credit card, as I am gaining time, but I am becoming increasingly frustrated when being charged for using my debit card, which immediately comes out of my personal account,' member @anneh.63 shared.
'I don't carry hundreds of dollars cash but I use cash now more than I have in recent years. It concerns me that the charges will be waived until cash is a thing of the past then BAM.... charges everywhere!'
As the push towards a cashless society gathers pace, it's more important than ever to make your voice heard.
Whether you rely on cash every day or just like to keep your options open, this is an issue that affects the country.
MORE: Looming money overhaul spells danger for cash users! Here's what you can do
