Fears for death of cash as ban stays

THE ban on cash introduced by firms during the pandemic is continuing, with one in five people saying they have been blocked from using it since lockdowns ended.

Many businesses asked customers to use payment cards and mobile apps at the height of the coronavirus crisis, saying that avoiding handling notes and coins would limit the spread of infections. But the move has fuelled fears it will hasten the death of cash.

A survey of 1,000 people analysed by consumer group Which? found that around 20 per cent were unable to pay with cash at least once from April to July. A

separate poll found that customers were most likely to be unable to use cash when shopping for their groceries.

Which? said 84 per cent of people believe businesses and shops should continue to accept notes and coins.

The group is encouraging firms to sign up to its Cash Friendly initiative to ensure millions of consumers who use cash regularly are not excluded by the transition to digital payments.

Natalie Ceeney, chairman of the Access to Cash Action Group, described the survey’s findings as ‘really worrying’.

There is no legal obligation for firms to accept cash and it is up owners which payment methods they want to accept.