Bill Rogers - Posted - 03/14/2026:  00:15:02

I have thought for a while that shopping (in person) during the pandemic, as much as I avoided it, changed the way I pay for small purchases. While I have generally paid for purchases of more than about $10 with a credit card for same years, I used to pay for smaller ones with cash. But, particularly early on during the COVID epidemic , I switched to using a card for just about everything. All to avoid handling possibly contaminated cash. Since merchants didn’t seem to care, I’ve maintained that habit even with things back to the “new normal.” I wonder if this happened with others, or if I’m one of not-so-many. Do you think COVID made u more of a cashless society?

STUD figmo Al - Posted - 03/14/2026:  03:41:23

Part of thier...plan...yes..

Fear is a fantastic weapon of manipulation... 

As is willfull blindness...or failing to pay attention...to outcomes n results..

Tis a good question you ask ..Bill...

HMmmmmm... smart you are...

Edited by - STUD figmo Al on 03/14/2026 03:45:48

Texasbanjo - Posted - 03/14/2026:  04:18:12

I'm one of the ones who uses a credit card more now. I seldom use cash. I'm not sure if it had to do with the pandemic or it just became easier to use the card than write a check or dig for the right amount of cash. Many stores now will not accept checks, so that sort of limits you to paying in cash or card. I've found I can keep up with my grocery purchases better if I use a credit card, as I write down the amount on a pad when I get home and I can see what I've spent.

My vet won't take a check at all and they charge 2.5% more for credit card purchases which irritates me greatly. My dentist is the same: insurance or credit card.

AndrewD - Posted - 03/14/2026:  04:48:37

Been the case here for some time. It helps that differential charging for cash and card is illegal here. Mostly use a debit card. I pretty much only use my credit card online as legal protection is better. We also got chips in our cards for pin and contactless payment earlier than you. I haven't used a cheque (or a check) for at least 10 years, and not had to sign a paper card slip for even longer (except when visiting the USA). About the only thing I use cash for is the coin operated lights on the snooker tables at my local social club. I still keep a few notes in my wallet 'just in case'. Not sure why. All of Europe is like this. I no longer bother to get Euros or whatever before travelling.

Edited by - AndrewD on 03/14/2026 08:52:20

slammer - Posted - 03/14/2026:  05:00:26

I use the plastic to pay for most things as we accumulate points for traveling, but I still pay cash for small dollar purchases. I just can’t see paying with a credit card for a soda, gum, snack, unless you are cashless. I guess that is the new way and accepted now. I do feel sorry for the people that pay for everything on credit and don’t or can’t pay off the monthly balance and get stuck in that trap!!! Many do.
Slammer!!!

banjo bill-e - Posted - 03/14/2026:  07:31:14

I tip with cash, which seems to be much appreciated.

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 03/14/2026:  08:21:12

There’s a lot of homeless people in Seattle. I used to give them cash but I just don’t carry it anymore.

BG Banjo - Posted - 03/14/2026:  09:01:04

I became pretty accustomed to paying with credit card or debit card, no purchase too small. Last summer a few coffee shops and restaurants that I go to regularly started giving cash discounts. So now I carry some cash to save thirty cents on a cup of coffee.



I do use Venmo and Google Pay. I am a writer and I do a lot of marketing events. People used to come up and want to buy a book or two with Venmo. Enough so that it became clear that I was losing sales not having it. Also, you would be surprised how many people will tip you when you are out playing if you have Venmo.  The fellow that clears snow for me wants to be paid with Venmo.  It has gotten to a point where often times if I can pay for something with a wave of my phone, I will do that. Sometimes I leave home to run errands with just my phone.

Edited by - BG Banjo on 03/14/2026 09:05:53

RB3 - Posted - 03/14/2026:  09:22:51

I'm also using my credit card more often for small purchases, but I don't think that behavior has anything to do with the pandemic. I found that I prefer not having a bunch of coins in my pocket.

I also pay off the balance on the credit card each month to avoid paying the interest charges. It's my understanding that the credit card folks refer to people who do that as "deadbeats". I appreciate all who maintain those monthly balances and incur the interest charges. Without them, we deadbeats wouldn't be able to enjoy the convenience of a credit card.

Tractor1 - Posted - 03/14/2026:  09:35:42

most of the time now--money is simply 10 individual numbers on a file as ''is'' or subdivided on down to another identical file-etc. Where decimal points hit---- is one of the reasons -- why we toil ,fight wars, and sell our souls etc.

Edited by - Tractor1 on 03/14/2026 09:37:11

Tractor1 - Posted - 03/14/2026:  09:42:31

I have one little store that asks for cash--I have a coin container =I hand to them and let them do my part of the math--they love it,,the order is usually an egg jalapeno biscuit -home style

Owen - Posted - 03/14/2026:  09:49:13

BGB : "Sometimes I leave home to run errands with just my phone."

Not long ago I came across a verse for Goodnite Irene that was "new to me":

"Sometimes Irene wears pyjamas; sometimes she just wears a gown.

But when they're both in the laundry, Irene is the talk of the town."

.... maybe there's potential to incorporate your experience into it???  

banjo bill-e - Posted - 03/14/2026:  09:56:20

Let's just make sure that we keep cash optional. I'm very suspicious of the move towards a cashless society.

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/14/2026:  09:56:51

quote:

---

Originally posted by Bill Rogers

Do you think COVID made u more of a cashless society?

---

Yes.

I use credit cards for fast-food and coffee-to-go. And for many small, under $10, purchases, such as at the neighborhood hardware store.

I have the feeling I make fewer small purchases than pre-pandemic.

I'll take $100 out of an ATM every once in a while, and it will last a long time. I think my main use of cash is tips, when I have the right amount.

RB3 - Posted - 03/14/2026:  10:23:33

"Let's just make sure that we keep cash optional. I'm very suspicious of the move towards a cashless society."

I concur. Being paranoid doesn't mean that there aren't people out to get you.

Dean T - Posted - 03/14/2026:  10:24:31

I took $200 in emergency cash, on a 3 day trip, in November of 2024. The last time I counted it, there was $108 left. So in the last year and 4 months, I’ve spent $92 in cash.

BanjoLink - Posted - 03/14/2026:  10:52:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by RB3

I'm also using my credit card more often for small purchases, but I don't think that behavior has anything to do with the pandemic. I found that I prefer not having a bunch of coins in my pocket.



I also pay off the balance on the credit card each month to avoid paying the interest charges. It's my understanding that the credit card folks refer to people who do that as "deadbeats". I appreciate all who maintain those monthly balances and incur the interest charges. Without them, we deadbeats wouldn't be able to enjoy the convenience of a credit card.

---

Count me among the "deadbeats"!

I just spend a tad over 5k on a new transmission for my Tahoe.  I asked before I paid if they would give me a discount if I paid with a check, and they responded in the affirmative, so I saved $150 by using a check.  Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 03/14/2026:  11:20:34

There is a conspiracy, but “they” with the plan is not what we might think.

Funneling payments to cards creates a way to collect data on all that we buy.

Before, this was done with “member cards”, but now that data is all tied to our payment card.

Everything you buy is recorded and tied to your name and profile, sent to a data broker center, then used in various ways.

Advertising is the obvious, but we are starting to see our profiles used to vary pricing. This part will get worse.

Depending on what you buy and when you buy it, how much you make, where you live and your tendency to buy sale items, name brand, house brands, or compare unit price vs “sale” size tricks, will all be used against us.

This will also be presented to us as a way we can “game” it to work around.

But this “game” is by design and our bank account will always lose (though we might think we are beating it).

Add to this Facial recognition and AI processing (target and Walmart are both using this at the self checkouts to collect data and pair our faces to our payment cards) and it is clear to see how this will be used as an advantage against us to make money.

With facial recognition, cash buys will eventually be tied to our profile.

Owen - Posted - 03/14/2026:  13:07:40

Joel: "There is a conspiracy, but “they” with the plan is not what we might think."

Was the Canadian government having banks freeze citizens' bank accounts on the basis of a totally fabricated "national emergency" just typical dishonesty/ineptitude, or was there more to it?   

Edited by - Owen on 03/14/2026 13:09:32

Joel Hooks - Posted - 03/14/2026:  14:24:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by Owen

Joel: "There is a conspiracy, but “they” with the plan is not what we might think."

Was the Canadian government having banks freeze citizens' bank accounts on the basis of a totally fabricated "national emergency" just typical dishonesty/ineptitude, or was there more to it?   

---

Don't have a clue.  I don't live in Canada and, so far, nothing has be frozen by the US government.

J.Albert - Posted - 03/14/2026:  15:03:34

During covid I used the credit card more, but I've ALWAYS paid for gas with cash.

These days, I'm still using cash for modest purchases (under $20-30), and usually bring along a pocketful of change (including pennies) to try to pay the exact amount when I can.

I almost never carry around more than $30-40, so if it's going to be more than that, I use "the card". I have just one credit card, and pay the balance off EVERY month, regardless if it's 400 or 4,000.

Re Sherry's comment about her vet not taking a check...

The vet I take my cats to gives you a 2% discount on the bill IF you pay by check (instead of with a card). But she runs an old-fashioned clinic on the first floor of her own home...

These days, don't write many checks... just gas, electric and the credit card bill, maybe something else now and then. When it's time to pay water/sewer bills or property taxes, I get the $$$ out of the bank, and pay right at the tax collector's office at the town hall. Paying taxes should hurt...!

I, too, am suspicious about living in "a cashless society".

I want to make my own choice as to how I pay...

banjonz - Posted - 03/14/2026:  15:13:03

quote:

---

Originally posted by Texasbanjo

I'm one of the ones who uses a credit card more now. I seldom use cash. I'm not sure if it had to do with the pandemic or it just became easier to use the card than write a check or dig for the right amount of cash. Many stores now will not accept checks, so that sort of limits you to paying in cash or card. I've found I can keep up with my grocery purchases better if I use a credit card, as I write down the amount on a pad when I get home and I can see what I've spent.



My vet won't take a check at all and they charge 2.5% more for credit card purchases which irritates me greatly. My dentist is the same: insurance or credit card.

---

When we here (New Zealand) changed over from the British model of currency (Pounds, shilling and pence) to decimal currency (July 10 1967) our coin was 1c, 2c, 5c,10c, 20c, 50c, notes $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $1000. The notes were paper. In time the 1c-5c coins disappeared along with the $1 & $2 notes which were replaced with coins. 1999 saw the introduction of polymer (plastic) bank notes (called the series 6 notes). Then  2016 saw the series 7 banknotes with a new design. I worked as a tech servicing cash handling/processing equipment for both those rollouts. 

Even back then there were people suggesting the removal of currency for electronic money. Credit/debit cards are here to stay. I personally use my credit card for every thing. Here we have a variety of loyalty programs associated with credit cards. For me, I let my card work for me accruing loyalty points and benefits. There is still the push for currency elimination in favour of electronic transactions. I personally don't believe those who push for it have thought it through because in the event of a major event like earthquake etc and the power goes out, how will electronic payments worK? They won't. Currency is here to stay.

banjonz - Posted - 03/14/2026:  15:14:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by Joel Hooks

There is a conspiracy, but “they” with the plan is not what we might think.



Funneling payments to cards creates a way to collect data on all that we buy.



Before, this was done with “member cards”, but now that data is all tied to our payment card.



Everything you buy is recorded and tied to your name and profile, sent to a data broker center, then used in various ways.



Advertising is the obvious, but we are starting to see our profiles used to vary pricing. This part will get worse.



Depending on what you buy and when you buy it, how much you make, where you live and your tendency to buy sale items, name brand, house brands, or compare unit price vs “sale” size tricks, will all be used against us.



This will also be presented to us as a way we can “game” it to work around.



But this “game” is by design and our bank account will always lose (though we might think we are beating it).



Add to this Facial recognition and AI processing (target and Walmart are both using this at the self checkouts to collect data and pair our faces to our payment cards) and it is clear to see how this will be used as an advantage against us to make money.



With facial recognition, cash buys will eventually be tied to our profile.

---

Facial rec is being trialed here in a couple of stores.

donc - Posted - 03/14/2026:  15:35:01

We love those conspiracy theories so I will share mine.. I have owned computers, mobile phones, and fibre fed televisions. My experience is that they are not as dependable as a 25 cent piece or $10 bill. In addition the newer technologies are full of glitches. My question is ..why ? If my basic car was as undependable as as my laptop or telephone service my car would never be safe to drive. We are in another age of war at the moment so there is that question .Will we be waking up one day to a world of no internet, no TV, or no means of processing a retail purchase. It would be a clean and tidy form of available warfare. Print out your bank statements every month so you can eventually prove to a bank that they have your money. My other habit is keeping at least $200 or more in smaller bills so we can at least get food for a few days. I usually carry at least $100 for the 2 or 3 times a year that my card refuses to work.

Bart Veerman - Posted - 03/14/2026:  17:25:46

Ma y years ago I uxed to work in a store that was open until 9 at nights. I did ths paperwork after closing and has to take the cashbag to the bank's drop off slot. Never gave it any thought but these days that would be a crazy dangerous  chore to do with all the holdups.

Yup, I sure can see why stores want to take plastic instead of cash.

Owen - Posted - 03/14/2026:  18:01:34

.. 

janolov - Posted - 03/15/2026:  09:54:38

Sweden is more and more cash-free. Most restaurants and shops refuse cash. We can also use the mobile to pay: it is an app called Swish that are supported by the banks in Sweden.

Last time I was at an ATM machine was in 2020, and i think I took $50 in cash. I still have $30 left.

steve davis - Posted - 03/19/2026:  09:22:45

I think cash is being phased out and good riddance imo.

When I first started using a computer I installed PayPal and purchased some guitars and banjos from across our country by simply clicking the right buttons.

Checks and cash wouldn't have helped during the bidding and PayPal does well in protecting my transactions.



Everything's easy to keep track of and my bank of over 40 years will call me immediately if anything untoward occurs.

I only use a debit card directly limited to my checking account.So simple and safe.

Edited by - steve davis on 03/19/2026 09:24:26

Buddur - Posted - 03/19/2026:  10:38:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by AndrewD

 About the only thing I use cash for is the coin operated lights on the snooker tables at my local social club. 

---

Wow, never heard of this before...paying for light (outside of your home, that is).  Is that typical for most snooker tables?  Or UK in general?  Is it a coin per set duration so  you have to keep paying up when the time limit is reached?   Kinda makes sense based on the cost of electricity anymore. 

AndrewD - Posted - 03/20/2026:  10:28:13

quote:

---

Originally posted by Buddur

quote:

---

Originally posted by AndrewD

 About the only thing I use cash for is the coin operated lights on the snooker tables at my local social club. 

---

Wow, never heard of this before...paying for light (outside of your home, that is).  Is that typical for most snooker tables?  Or UK in general?  Is it a coin per set duration so  you have to keep paying up when the time limit is reached?   Kinda makes sense based on the cost of electricity anymore. 

---

A snooker table is 12' by 6'. It needs a large overhead light to give even illumination to the whole surface. This is a usual way to pay for a session on a snooker table. At my club it costs £1 for 15mins - so about $5/hour. The money goes into re-covering the tables regularly and maintaining the room and equipment. So, as there are 2 of us playing on the table,  my 2 hour Thursday evening session costs about the same as one of the pints of beer I drink afterwards. Doesn't seem too bad to me. How, and how much would you pay to play pool in a club in the US ?

Buddur - Posted - 03/20/2026:  11:18:39

I've been in an 8-ball league for almost a year now but can't remember the last time I went anywhere to pay to play. I believe it's like 5-10$ per hour from what I've heard. The only time I get any practice is when I show up early on league nights. I use to shoot pool all the time.

12' x 6' is frigging HUGE...9' is regulation/tournament size but a typical bar table is 7'.

I've been watching FB Marketplace and am waiting for the right table to become available....my proposed room can only fit a 7' table comfortably. I've watched enough YT videos and feel comfortable I can disassemble and move, reassemble, install new bumper/rails if I need to, and re-felt a table...it's the levelling I'd have to spend some time on. Lots of tables available, but I have standards...and a budget. lol

AndrewD - Posted - 03/20/2026:  12:21:36

quote:

---

Originally posted by Buddur

I've been in an 8-ball league for almost a year now but can't remember the last time I went anywhere to pay to play. I believe it's like 5-10$ per hour from what I've heard. The only time I get any practice is when I show up early on league nights. I use to shoot pool all the time.



12' x 6' is frigging HUGE...9' is regulation/tournament size but a typical bar table is 7'.



I've been watching FB Marketplace and am waiting for the right table to become available....my proposed room can only fit a 7' table comfortably. I've watched enough YT videos and feel comfortable I can disassemble and move, reassemble, install new bumper/rails if I need to, and re-felt a table...it's the levelling I'd have to spend some time on. Lots of tables available, but I have standards...and a budget. lol

---

If you want to see how the GOAT Ronnie O'Sullivan handles that 'massive table', here's how he broke the record for the highest break recorded in a professional tournament yesterday....

youtube.com/watch?v=TVg70qVju2w

Doncha just love thread drift !

Jon Borcherding - Posted - 03/20/2026:  14:13:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by Joel Hooks

There is a conspiracy, but “they” with the plan is not what we might think.



Funneling payments to cards creates a way to collect data on all that we buy.



Before, this was done with “member cards”, but now that data is all tied to our payment card.



Everything you buy is recorded and tied to your name and profile, sent to a data broker center, then used in various ways.



Advertising is the obvious, but we are starting to see our profiles used to vary pricing. This part will get worse.



Depending on what you buy and when you buy it, how much you make, where you live and your tendency to buy sale items, name brand, house brands, or compare unit price vs “sale” size tricks, will all be used against us.



This will also be presented to us as a way we can “game” it to work around.



But this “game” is by design and our bank account will always lose (though we might think we are beating it).



Add to this Facial recognition and AI processing (target and Walmart are both using this at the self checkouts to collect data and pair our faces to our payment cards) and it is clear to see how this will be used as an advantage against us to make money.



With facial recognition, cash buys will eventually be tied to our profile.

---

Spot on.

I you care at all about your privacy, the link below leads to a good place to learn about how it is evaporating and what you can do about it.

youtube.com/watch?v=92s2szFH8-s&t=1s