Is this the end of cash?

[hearditfromanunicorn]

So many places aren't accepting cash due to it being dirty or you can only use it in self checkout. Do you think that globally this could be the end of cash. Not having cash could also mean no more cash in hand or discounts for cash, so would help with governments needing more tax to recover from this crisis.

Cashless society. Great idea. Surprised we haven't done this already.

What happens if you don’t have a mobile phone, bank account or debit card of your own?

I was wondering this a few days a ago. I can’t see us going back to using cash again once this is over.

Annoyingly I have a bit of cash as I sold something on marketplace, but no where is taking cash around here. I have no money in my account though ! As all benefits / pensions are now paid into bank accounts everyone must have a card surely ?

@ChanklyBore

Who doesn't have one of those in this day and age?

Even my 86 year old grandad has a debit card.

I guess the answer if you don't is you'll have to get one pretty sharpish won't you.....

Who doesn't have one of those in this day and age? 
The homeless. People who are being financially abused by their partners. New arrivals to the country.

Many older and less well off people rely on cash

This is an interesting exploration of the pros and cons of becoming a cashless society:

www.thebalance.com/pros-and-cons-of-moving-to-a-cashless-society-4160702

What about children? My 11 year old should have a debit card now for if she wants to pop along to the shop for a treat? (Outwith lockdown of course)

On this subject, can anyone help me with how to pay in cash when your bank has closed it's branch locally? Elderly neighbour has been giving me cash and been using my bank card to get her shopping, it is about £80 now and not sure how to pay it in.

Can you do it at other banks or post office? My bank's lines are too busy to ask.

Jemima they can get cash cards from about 11, or top up cards.

or debit cards

My bank you can pay in at the cash point now

Orangeblossom78 - I've paid cash in to my account via my debit card at the Post Office. Little local one, part of my local Tesco, no problem.

You're forgetting non-tax payers - builders, cleaners all insist on being paid cash. Can't see that changing.

Yes I think we will I hate cash don't carry it anywhere haven't done in years

OK thanks

I mainly use cash, I dont need ti but I prefer to.

My dog groomer and hairdresser only take cash, but when I had a cleaner in the past it was bank transfer payment. I mainly shop online so use PayPal or amazon. Also been using pay by mobile phone as felt that my 70 year old Dad was showing me up but using it !

Taking cash only is surely a tax dodge though, so if cash is stopped surely more tax is paid and would help the government reclaim all the support money they are giving out. It must help. Well the government aren't supporting me, as I have a one women limited company and paid myself in Dividends, but best not get bitter hey ?!

If you go to Sweden, take a card that doesn’t charge fees on every transaction, as it. Is rare to find anywhere taking cash. Some places like hotels and restaurants refuse to take cash. Public toilets are 50p, pay by card. The ice cream seller in the park has a cordless card machine, as do the homeless and big issue sellers.

Cards are difficult for anyone beginning to find it difficult to remember numbers.

And anyone who wants to be untraceable - someone fleeing domestic violence, for example.

Without cash, the consequences of having your id stolen are unthinkable.

There are still some things where you need cash.
School fairs, as you can’t give kids your card, and other types of fundraising.

You can get pre paid cards.

School fairs yes tricky that one, but could be done on ticket system. Buy 10 tickets for £10 etc. Pay for your go on the bouncy castle with a token. I'm sure I've been to festivals who do this to get around alcohol licensing, buy a token swap for a cider !

Taking cash only is only a tax dodge if you don't declare the income. There's nothing stopping anyone from declaring cash income and people do declare it. Just, y'know, not everyone.