Millions of people would struggle if the UK became completely cashless, report finds

MalMonroe

Soon though bank robberies will be a thing of the past which is a good thing? But then again, banks will be a thing of the past, not so good for the employees. Oh dear     I haven't used cash for aeons. (Well, at least 3 years) And I'm 72! And not vulnerable yet.

Nebulous2

I took cash out this week. First time this year. The cash machine asked me. “Should shops be forced to take cash?” I thought it was rather an odd question, but this kind of explains it - they are promoting their business. 

We have several takeaways here that only deal in cash. 

While writing this I’ve just remembered, we have several hundred pounds in cash tucked away in the house. We moved last year and sold a lot of stuff on Gumtree, primarily in cash. We paid a roofer in cash, expecting him to be appreciative, but he wasn’t bothered. We kept the rest intending to buy something for the new house, but never got round to it. Somehow the stuff we have is still quite serviceable and there hasn’t been much impetus to replace it. 

Rob5342

daveyjp said:

Survey undertaken by cash machine provider finds people will always need cash.  Funny that.

The way the questions are worded often affect the answers given too. "Would you struggle without cash?" might get more people saying yes than would say no to "Could you manage without cash?"

Skintoap

I had managed to avoid using cash for several years. However, a couple of weeks ago a local supermarket’s card payment system had gone into meltdown. Banks and businesses may prefer card payment, but they’ll always need to be willing to accept cash in these circumstances. 

Carrot007

LateNightHunter said:

Mainly hairdressers and takeaways are cash only round here

OH's hardresser take bank transfers as a preference. Last takeaway (a fish n' chips) got a card machine over lockdown to make it wasier giving order through the window!

Carrot007

Ergates said:

LateNightHunter said:

Mainly hairdressers and takeaways are cash only round here

But there is no logical reason they have to be.

That they are not going to get any customers otherwise? I would avoid them for it and I'm sure the number of people doing so is on the increase.

GreenCat80

I don’t use a lot of cash (although I do live in a cash town) but there are a few things; £3 a week for Cubs subs, occasional fundraising events at school, an ice cream on the beach, £1 on the 2p machines when we walk down to the front etc. I do sometimes pay workmen in cash too because I find it easier to save up for jobs that need doing that way. 

GaleSF63

Rob5342 said:

The way the questions are worded often affect the answers given too. "Would you struggle without cash?" might get more people saying yes than would say no to "Could you manage without cash?"

Many of the 15million inconvenienced when asked would answer with the present day in mind. They'd answer as if we were to be suddenly cashless tomorrow, with no chance to adapt, so the figure is misleading.
Thinking about the few occasions I still use cash, I expect I could adjust - but I don't want to have to! I wonder how many people would say yes to the question - would you be happy if we were cashless, rather than could you manage?

Rich2808

Ergates said:

LateNightHunter said:

Mainly hairdressers and takeaways are cash only round here

But there is no logical reason they have to be.

Unless of course they are a front to launder money for other businesses. Who would know if you cut 10 people's hair a day - or 100!

If I can pay by card for a 60p Mars bar why not an £8 haircut at the barbers.

A cashless society would be disastrous for organised crime and drug dealers in particular!

jon81uk

GreenCat80 said:

I don’t use a lot of cash (although I do live in a cash town) but there are a few things; £3 a week for Cubs subs, occasional fundraising events at school, an ice cream on the beach, £1 on the 2p machines when we walk down to the front etc. I do sometimes pay workmen in cash too because I find it easier to save up for jobs that need doing that way. 

This isn’t so much a reply to you but just prompted me to remember some things.

I was in scouts back in the 90s and my Scout group preferred standing orders back then even. I think for them a regular predictable payment each month was better than cash when kids turned up, as they still got the subs even if I didn’t go one week. But it also meant my parents never had to think about sending me with a few quid each time. 

Also when briefly walking through Clacton Pier last weekend I spotted the change machines giving out 2ps took contactless. Could have got £2 worth of 2ps just by tapping a card I think.
Many businesses are already adapting to people carrying less cash. 

Personally if cash just disappeared tomorrow it would make zero difference to me.