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Original poster

People who don’t carry their bank cards with them

868 replies

Auburngal · 16/03/2024 14:19

I was in Sainsbury’s this morning and systems are down. No contactless, chip n pin taking ages to go through. Unable to buy gift cards, mobile top up vouchers.

Systems going down like this happen not very often but when they do it’s awful.

On the self scan next to me a woman screamed at the manager on why she can’t pay on her mobile.

Why do many people don’t carry their bank cards anymore? The cards don’t weigh much. Plus if the contactless payment system goes down, hopefully their card will go through via chip n pin. Also they won’t look like idiots either. No sympathy for these.

Regarding contactless payments- sometimes your bank, NOT the retailer etc asks you to do a CnP payment as part of security. “I dunno my PIN”. You can change your PIN to any number you want (not 1234, 1111) at any ATM under PIN services.

OP posts:
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ohdamnitjanet · 16/03/2024 17:49

BobnLen · 16/03/2024 17:30

So what do you do then if you can't pay for it, they won't let you have it for free

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You show consideration for the minimum wage staff and put your own shopping back. Or, you know, be prepared and take a card with you.

minisoksmakehardwork · 16/03/2024 17:48

NatWest used to do a system where could get a number to withdraw cash from the machine without a card, via the app. Im no longer with NatWest but wonder why other banks don't do something similar.

Illpickthatup · 16/03/2024 17:47

My DH often doesn't carry his bank card because I have it hahaha!

Rainrainrainrainrainrainrain · 16/03/2024 17:45

AhBiscuits · 16/03/2024 14:23

Times change and technology moves on. Cards are old fashioned. It's another thing to find a pocket for and try not to lose.
I don't even carry a key anymore as we've added a fancy digital lock to the front door.

Well, in this case it really doesn't feel like things have "moved on". The fact is that cash always works, but tech doesn't. Never heard of a £10 note not working.

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 16/03/2024 17:45

KimberleyClark · 16/03/2024 17:40

Doesn’t your phone screen get scratched by keys and stuff in your bag? I’m not an OAP btw.

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I’m an OAP (almost) l don’t carry a bag. Just a phone in my back pocket.

KimberleyClark · 16/03/2024 17:40

DillDanding · 16/03/2024 16:42

If you have a wallet type phone case you can take your card and your phone. All bases covered .

The day I start using a wallet type phone case will be a cold day in hell. They scream OAP. Nothing wrong with being an OAP, but I’m not there yet.

Doesn’t your phone screen get scratched by keys and stuff in your bag? I’m not an OAP btw.

SocksAndTheCity · 16/03/2024 17:38

I always carry cash for food shopping; it helps me budget because I know how much I want/can afford to spend and once it's gone, it's gone. I carry cards too, but don't often use them - I try to avoid shops that don't take cash but the cards are there if I'm stuck.

I've never paid for anything with my phone, and have no plans (nor any need) to start.

ILoveSalmonSpread · 16/03/2024 17:37

Re your title, more fool them.

BobnLen · 16/03/2024 17:30

ohdamnitjanet · 16/03/2024 17:07

You’re obviously just here to be a pathetic pain in the arse.

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So what do you do then if you can't pay for it, they won't let you have it for free

RubyOtter · 16/03/2024 17:28

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

NewYearResolutions · 16/03/2024 17:25

I often just have my watch. No phone or card.

VenetiaHallisWellPosh · 16/03/2024 17:24

I work on the Tube and some people really lose their s**t when their transaction hasn't gone through when paying by phone or because our ticket machines don't support contactless payment (Most NR ones do). Some people are REALLY tied to their phones.

At NR stations you still need to use a bank card to pick up tickets on the ticket machine and again people lose their s**t when told they can't use a phone for the same purpose.

I rarely use cash these days but will do in emergencies. But I hate using my phone for contactless. I don't feel as much in control of my spending as I do with my bank card, because my phone is always readily available in my pocket whereas my purse is usually right at the bottom of my bag and I have to hunt for it. By the time I've found it I've usually decided against my frivolous purchase.

My 17 year old, surprisingly in my view, also prefers her bank card. I don't know why, it's just her thing.

I think in general our bank balances are just numbers on a screen. I'm given so many "units" a month and I try not to spend it all! I think we are getting a bit disengaged from cash and what it means.

I was in Sainsbury's today and had to nip out to get cash to pay for my purchases. No problem, but now I've got about £4 in change burning a hole in my bag, whereas with a card the exact amount would have come out instead.

ohdamnitjanet · 16/03/2024 17:24

SheepAndSword · 16/03/2024 17:08

@ohdamnitjanet 😆

Nobody would spend their entire weekend in a supermarket (unless staff??) but yeah when you gotta shop you gotta shop. Or starve.

I love a good old supermarket food shop!

RubyOtter · 16/03/2024 17:23

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Pascha · 16/03/2024 17:22

I have Google pay and use that as default but I do also often have cash on me. If I have that I always use it in tesco at the self checkouts before any electronic payments.
My card is there but as a backup really.

CormorantStrikesBack · 16/03/2024 17:20

I don’t carry a purse or handbag 🤷🏻‍♀️

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 16/03/2024 17:19

I don’t carry cash and don’t go anywhere that doesn’t accept contactless. If it’s down it’s down. I also don’t buy online unless it takes Applepay Paypal

l’d have to search to find my bank cards. There somewhere in the house in my purse. But l never use cash so never use my purse.

tittybumbum · 16/03/2024 17:18

So OP can we presume you always carry a ton of cash also? Otherwise you are a bit hypocritical

Iwouldratherbemuckingout · 16/03/2024 17:11

I never carry my bag anymore but keep bank cards in my purse, because I don't always trust myself to be able to make Apple Pay work or my phone to suddenly lose its charge - which has happened for some unfathomable reason. Also carry it on the off chance I need to get cash. I was scarred by the experience of notbeing able to buy the most beautiful looking brownies at a farmers market as they were only taking cash and I had no means of getting any!

SabreIsMyFave · 16/03/2024 17:11

@BobnLen · Today 14:43

It’s sad that so many people spend their weekend in Sainsbury’s

Who has said they spend all weekend in Sainsburys? Confused

ancienticecream · 16/03/2024 17:11

I left my purse at my parents' house for three weeks before I noticed it was missing. I rarely take my purse out, even though it fits in my back pocket. I don't have a bag, either.

kitsuneghost · 16/03/2024 17:11

I tend to take my cards rather than my phone as my card holder fits in my pocket better. It usually has an emergency tenner in it

Tiredalwaystired · 16/03/2024 17:10

I actually agree with you, OP. I always encourage my kids to take both, especially as there has been a spate of mobile phone thefts here recently - both out of peoples hands and from cafe tables. The thought of them being without any means of getting home worries me greatly.

diddl · 16/03/2024 17:09

saveforthat · 16/03/2024 17:02

I take my bank card but rarely take my phone if I am just popping to the shops. How old fashioned am I?

Probably not quite as bad as me.

I never take my phone unless I have a specific reason to do so.

I still see it as a means of communication to be used from the comfort of your own home!

With the advantage of it can be taken out & about if necessary-oh & it takes pics!

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