To wonder if it would be better if we gave up using notes and coins entirely?

[BranchingOut]

I find myself using cash less and less often. I do wonder if there would be benefits to going towards a system where every transaction was automated. I haven't thought through all the issues, but that is why I have come on here....! Obviously there would need to be ways of enabling small traders to have terminals for contactless payments. Plus, I know that many elderly people do prefer to use cash.

I do feel angry when I think of NRP avoiding child maintenance through the cash economy, not to mention the unpaid tax of cash in hand work...

Would the benefits outweigh the dis-benefits?

Can you imagine

The bar would make loads of money though. You tend to feel like spending money on a card isn't real money so you'd get pissed and then be all "Free shots for everyone on me!"

I used to take out a set amount in cash to go drinking because I knew if I spent on card I'd spend loads.

Does anyone else remember when London Transport brought out ten £1 zone 1 tickets which you could buy in a carnet pack for £10? 1996 maybe?

They began to be used as currency, informally, for a while eg. you owed a friend a couple of pounds.

I suppose that alternative currencies would swiftly emerge...