Whether it's getting on a bus or buying a pint, there's no need to take a note or coins out of your wallet or purse these days. Many people simply flash their bank card or phone at the cash machine and job done.
Cash is used less and less - but there's still a percentage of the population who want that option. A trial by Greene King to make some of its pubs card-only has sparked anger, with many Nottinghamshire Live readers insisting "cash is king."
However, pubs including the Travellers Rest in Mapperley and The Hutt in Ravenshead aren't the only places where customers have to pay by card. Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake, the new restaurants and bars at the Island Quarter in Nottingham, are both cashless, as are all 200 Degrees coffee shops.
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However, the White Rabbit Teahouse in West Bridgford, started off as cash-only when it first opened but owner Frances Russell was prompted to introduce the option of card payments after complaints. She said: "It's a really divisive topic and one of those things people can get really cross about.
"People definitely weren't happy about it being cash. We only did a few months and then we reverted to card. I think it's important to give people the option and not to have a cashless society - things like paying your window cleaner and tipping your hairdresser, all those small things."
Nottinghamshire Live readers had plenty to say on the hot topic, with many agreeing that people should have the choice. Some vowed to boycott businesses that won't accept cash. Tracey Borsos said: "Another choice taken away. I love going to Travellers Rest but will boycott on principle. There are still plenty of other alternatives just as good."
Lynn Roulston said: "Cash is legal tender. I've boycotted Pizza Hut and Domino's, both refused my cash! It’s a frightening trend. Keep cash alive." Paul Weston wrote: "Definitely boycott and send a message - this is a start of a slippery slope to eradicating cash freedom altogether."
Helen Lewis Barker said over-spending is an issue when paying by card. "People have cash and have their spending limit, when they've run out of cash stop drinking. When spending on a card it's not as easy to remember limits. I like cash over cards."
Jax Powell wasn't alone in saying: "I prefer to use cash, I can monitor my spending better. People should have the right to choose not be forced to use card," while Katrina Dickerson commented: "Cash is king, only winners with using cards are the banks."
Susan Nequest said: "No way especially for us OAPs who need to see our money, not try and work out what we have spent on a card. ife needs to be easier not harder. Remember Greene King it's the customer who is king."
Sarah Walker said card payments aren't always smooth transactions: "Was in a petrol station the other day and their card machines were down for like 20 mins. We couldn’t get served till they came back on. My mate has a burger van and when a event is on in a field with 5,000 plus people - her machines never work. Contactless will never work full time."
Many said the step towards a cashless society is concerning. Kelly Mole Morrell posted: "What about all the times it makes sense to use cash? Car boot sales, coin collectors, arcade machines, birthday cards... not quite the same asking a five-year-old their bank details so you can transfer them a fiver! Keep cash in society." Gina Guest added: "It's a sad outlook for all charities who have their collection pots on bars or shop counters."
Wayne Nffc Wilson said: "Problem is too many people are clueless on the effects of being a cashless society. Small businesses will struggle, no more car boot sales. Money will devalue over time. With money at least it's yours and bank can't touch it. Society needs a good wake up call."
For others the fear runs deeper as it would hand too much power to the banks - and they claim it's a step towards their spending habits being controlled. Bob Harvey posted: "Just remember every transaction you make by card, the provider takes a small percentage. Multiply that by the millions of transactions a day. This makes a great money pit for the banks. No wonder they want a cashless society."
Gareth Davenport believes "the world will eventually phase out physical money. It’s been coming for decades and with the advent of crypto, physical cash is going to be obsolete eventually as they have predicted in sci-fi movies for years."
Some readers prefer to use card over cash though. Alex Thom said: "Can’t wait for cashless to be mandatory. Why would I want to carry it around? All I need now is my phone and job done. Bring it on." Tony Carter said: "Cash is finished. Bring on cashless."
Age UK said it was committed to working with the government, the banking industry, and consumer groups to take the necessary action to protect access and acceptance of cash and continues to fight for the older people who rely on cash.
A spokesperson said: "Many older people still rely heavily on cash, with some being completely dependent. Being cut off from cash and banking services is therefore tantamount to being excluded from society, so maintaining access is vital."
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