Are supermarkets going cashless?
OVER the years, more and more shoppers have been switching to using their cards to pay for items rather than cash.
It’s now been revealed that supermarkets could be going cashless completely. Here’s what we know so far.
Are supermarkets going cashless?
Some supermarkets are now opting to go completely cashless, but not all of them.
In fact, some of the big chains are only introducing the move in certain stores.
This includes Tesco and Asda who are cutting cash payments in some of their outlets in a bid to cut down on customers having to queue.
The move towards cashless started during the pandemic, when many retailers were forced to go card only.
In August 2024, Tesco revealed it would be going cashless at cafés in 40 UK sites.
However, customers will still be given the option to pay by cash in the actual store.
Another supermarket which is starting to introduce a cashless way of life is Asda,
They have already introduced card only in 82 of their stores – get the full list here.
Asda has confirmed that customers can still pay by cash in the rest of its outlets, including manned and self checkouts, cafés and concessions.
Supermarkets who are continuing to take cash payments include Morrisons, Aldi, Waitrose and Co-op.
Sainsbury’s has said the vast majority of its stores and petrol stations accept cash payments, but has not said if it will be going cashless.
Are petrol stations going cashless?
As of September 2024, petrol stations have not gone cashless.
However, Asda has 267 card only gas stations, where customers must pay at pump by card to fill up.
An Asda spokesperson said it made the move as “more than 90% of all payments at superstore fuel station forecourts were via card or a contactless device”.
What are the pros and cons of supermarkets going cashless?
Pros
Retailers have said the move will reduce queues at checkouts.
This is because card payments are three times faster than traditional cash transactions.
Contactless and mobile payments are also a more convenient way of paying.
Opting to go cashless eliminates the need for shoppers to find an cash machine to withdraw money.
It can also be safer, as not taking cash out with you to go shopping eliminates the risk of robbery or theft.
Cons
Cash transactions remain important to millions, particularly the vulnerable and elderly.
Many have said it will make life harder for this type of customer, with one posting on social media: “Even if you ‘don’t mind’ cashless, stop being so smug and inconsiderate and think about the elderly, disabled and those on lower incomes who budget better with cash.”
Another con for going card only in stores is the possibility of a technology failure.
This was highlighted in March 2024, when a tech meltdown left Sainsbury’s stores unable to take contactless payments, causing chaos.
Customers also reported difficulties when a major global tech outage in July 2024 left shoppers unable to make card payments across the UK.
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Law says shops don’t have to accept cash
By Sara Benwell, consumer reporter at The Sun
MOST people think it’s their right to use cash to pay for goods at the shops. But the reality is, that’s not the case.
Even though our pennies and pounds are often referred to as legal tender, it is actually the business owner’s right to decide what payment methods they want to accept.
After an online petition was launched to make it unlawful for shops to refuse cash, the Government confirmed in April that it does not plan to mandate cash acceptance.
Cash transactions remain important to millions, particularly the vulnerable and elderly, but it is the choice of individual businesses.
As we move ever closer to a cashless society, I worry about the elderly and those who are most vulnerable, as many rely on cash for budgeting and it’s easy to overspend when you are using a card.
With so many people still reliant on, or keen to use, notes and loose change, it really does make sense for businesses to continue to accept it.