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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to put up a sign encouraging customers to pay in cash?

367 replies

Theydidnt · 11/03/2026 16:02

I run a small business and we are taking SO much less cash than we used to. It's really having an effect on how much we are taking. But I'm interested to know whether people would be put off by a sign with this wording or whether people support it. I know lots of people think cash is a way of avoiding the tax man and may find it unprofessional. Interested to know people's thoughts

AIBU to put up a sign encouraging customers to pay in cash?
OP posts:
depacked · 11/03/2026 16:32

BoredZelda · 11/03/2026 16:31

How much does it cost you to bank cash? Unless you have a not busy bank just down the street, the loss of time, the 1% business bank charges for paying in cash, is it really the money saver you think it is? Or do you never pay cash into the bank? That doesn’t sound very secure.

Depends how small the business is really doesn’t it.

Ohthatsabitshit · 11/03/2026 16:32

I think around here iits usually a bit more blunt “cash is king but we are understand sometimes you might need to use your card”

depacked · 11/03/2026 16:32

bugalugs45 · 11/03/2026 16:31

I don’t think you can legally state that . My local Chinese takeaway used to do that & remember them telling me they weren’t allowed to anymore

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correct! they can’t do that it isn’t legal any more.

BoredZelda · 11/03/2026 16:31

How much does it cost you to bank cash? Unless you have a not busy bank just down the street, the loss of time, the 1% business bank charges for paying in cash, is it really the money saver you think it is? Or do you never pay cash into the bank? That doesn’t sound very secure.

bugalugs45 · 11/03/2026 16:31

Youspurnme · 11/03/2026 16:22

Why don’t you just have a ‘minimum card spend £10’ or something, instead of that essay which I might not read/find annoying. Your costs are your problem not mine.

I don’t think you can legally state that . My local Chinese takeaway used to do that & remember them telling me they weren’t allowed to anymore

depacked · 11/03/2026 16:30

Why not offer discounts to people who pay by cash or bank transfer.

Dear Customers, As a small business we unfortunately get charged by the banks for all card transactions. If you would like to pay by cash or bank transfer we will pass on a X% discount to you.

Sartre · 11/03/2026 16:30

I haven’t used or carried cash for years. I only ever have it if I’m going somewhere I’ve been warned is cash only in advance but I don’t like it, it’s a pain. So yeah, sure, put the sign up but don’t expect many people to use cash.

Weeelokthen · 11/03/2026 16:29

I automatically assume it is a tax dodge when I see these signs. There is a massive soft play near me who takes cash only, why? Every chinese takeaway in Scotland is cash only, why?

bugalugs45 · 11/03/2026 16:29

My hairdresser has this sign, it’s only stating a preference ,
I can’t see an issue . It reminds me to make the effort to get cash out 😊

MrsMitford3 · 11/03/2026 16:28

The place where I get my nails done gives a small discount (maybe £2?) for cash.

I am happy to pay them cash

tutugogo · 11/03/2026 16:28

BTW you need to go with a cheaper provider, I pay 0.6% and refuse to take American Express

goz · 11/03/2026 16:27

CanISeeYourLicence · 11/03/2026 16:24

It's not always the card transaction fee. Some card machine companies charge a rental fee for the machine and a processing fee as well.

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The line rental / card reader charge is really quite nominal though.

Craftysue · 11/03/2026 16:27

Quite a few of our local shops have signs that are very similar and I think it's fine.

MovedlikeHarlowinMonteCarlo · 11/03/2026 16:26

You've asked people to pay cash but highlighted the words "no cash no problem" which looks odd.

In principle it's a fine request but I'd amend the notice.

tutugogo · 11/03/2026 16:26

It would annoy me, you need to factor in card cost to your prices rather the guilt customers, i would also presume the reason cash is preferable is because it’s not going through the books - this might not be the case but it implies it in my mind. Bank transfers are free anyway.

Cappuccinowoah · 11/03/2026 16:26

To be honest I’d like this and would make a point of giving you my business. I’m absolutely sick of places refusing to accept cash, and being forced to pay by card everywhere I go. Not everyone wants a cashless society.. All power to you!

Wishingplenty · 11/03/2026 16:24

Anyone that has any experience of running a small business will sympathise and will not automatically think of tax dodging. Unfortunately people with no business background will always think the worse, but the overheads of running any small business is high so there is nothing wrong with this and most people will understand.

CanISeeYourLicence · 11/03/2026 16:24

goz · 11/03/2026 16:15

You think you are losing a substantial sum of money from the 1-3% card transaction fee?

Or you think you should pay less tax so you can have more money?

It's not always the card transaction fee. Some card machine companies charge a rental fee for the machine and a processing fee as well.

Badbadbunny · 11/03/2026 16:22

If they're pay a lot in credit card processing fees, they need to shop around and get a cheaper method. There are lots of different options these days and you can usually find a relatively cheap option for small cash payments.

rfgtc43c4 · 11/03/2026 16:22

I think it's a good idea, it also reminds us to use cash if we can, to help other small businesses too.

I think a cashless society gives too much power to card companies, and we want less of that, and more money in the hands of small businesses.

Youspurnme · 11/03/2026 16:22

Why don’t you just have a ‘minimum card spend £10’ or something, instead of that essay which I might not read/find annoying. Your costs are your problem not mine.

BoxingHare · 11/03/2026 16:21

Businesses asking for cash put me off. I never carry cash, and I always wonder how much of it they're pocketing without putting it through the books.

Do businesses not factor in these types of costs in their business plans?

OhWise1 · 11/03/2026 16:20

I've not paid for anything using cash, literally nothing, for at least the last 2 years. It would be an absolute faff for me to pay cash and i would go elsewhere.
Why dont you accept bank transfer - no fees for you and no hassle for tge customer?

Changename12 · 11/03/2026 16:20

I would still assume that you were not declaring it to HMRC.

Freeme31 · 11/03/2026 16:17

I don’t carry cash. I don’t mind your sign as long as customers who don’t are not made to feel guilty. Can i ask what are the bank charges as i genuinely dont know and see small business saying its awful but we non business people don’t understand the cost to the business, so can you provide an example eg is it £20 in every £100 ? Sorry im not business savvy

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