Are You Using Less Actual "Cash" Nowadays? ...............................ddst
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I realised that I haven't actually used "cash" (coins or banknotes) since some time last year - are others now using contactless debit cards more and more?
I have contactless but insist on using my pin as a retail cashier once advised me against contactless. I do however keep a small amount of cash still as my work schedule changes without warning and sometimes need to buy a bottle of water or a sandwich whilst out. Also handy for parking meters etc.
It was thought to be a little risky getting your contactless card too near the machine but I heard there was no real evidence of it, if there is and your card is a contactless card, it doesn't really matter if you tap in PIN or use contactless. Occasionally even when using contactless the PIN still has to be used. Some reasons that come to mind are: new card, any cashback, over £30, two transactions at same place or close to each other, occasionally a place the card hasn't been used before, or a certain number of times since the PIN was used. There are probably more reasons I can't think of or don't know about
davidstockport I think it was more that if I dropped it someone could have a spending spree of under £30 shopping before I realised, without even knowing my pin. I appreciate they could use it for online shopping without needing a pin but one would hope someone along the line would notice the address was different.
Lynibis Apparentlythe banks will cover any unauthorised use and usually unless the finder knows where you have used the card before their shopping spree is very short. The algorithms soon notice any unusual activity and a PIN is required.
There have been many programmes on Radio 4 about them and any potential dangers, and although I'm very wary of anything newish - feel reasonably safe
That's a great question, I was in a store the other day with a friend and was actually talking about this, even though I had over £400 cash in my wallet I still paid with debit card, I've had a couple of £50 notes in my wallet for over 2 years which the kids think is funny and tell their friends about it, that said, I probably only spend cash when the kids put their hands out looking for money.
You're probably like me a bit dubious at first but wouldn't go back to cash all the time
Strangely enough I just checked my wallet and in it there were 1x£20; 1x£10; 3x£5 notes and four moths who were rubbing their eyes and complaining about the light.
Just a word of warning about the £50 notes if they're from before April 2014 with a picture of Houblon on they they were withdrawn and next year those that replaced them will be withdrawn when a new £50 replaces them. Worth checking,
davidstockport I've already cashed the old £50's in, it's a pity you don't get anything for the moths, I'm sure there'd be a queue at the bank like there is on cup final day.
Philkinellman £50 pound notes are a bit of a waste of time - only any use if having to pay large amounts in cash, very few places will accept them (most places haven't seen one before)
It's not that long ago a lot of places wouldn't accept £20 notes (too many forgeries about),
I often use cash when I’m abroad, as I usually go to places that prefer cash...very off the beaten track places. However, whenever I’m here or in any city centre I tend to use the cards, as it’s easier. I hate fiddling with change. Mind you, I do get a lot of joy counting cash - comes from the good old days when I was a kid keeping my beady eyes on my piggy banks!
I haven't been abroad since I started using debit card for most things - when abroad I used the ATM machines to get cash, works out much less than travelers cheques etc. I was always careful to take three cards though just in case there was any problem, I hear you should inform your bank of any proposed trip so they don't freeze your card because of suspicious activity,
davidstockport yes you need to let them know where you are going, but now with banking apps it’s easier to unfreeze accounts if you get stuck. There was one time I was in an island where a lot of fake atm machines were installed, and lots of tourists had their cards swallowed up by the machines - a lot of money can be taken from one’s account in a sort space of time, especially when you know the PIN...one reasons why I stay away from atms unless they are inside a bank
hspexy I never use ATMs in this country - any cash I require I get by cashback at supermarket, I consider it much safer,
I used to always pay for my groceries with debit card, and get some CASH on cashback, when I was getting below a certain amount of actual cash, as said I realised I hadn't used cash when looking at my online statement and noticing I've not needed cashback for over 6 months. I still carry some cash but wonder how long it will be before it becomes unusual to do so, I do know that most retailers prefer debit cards whether contactless or not.
While you're living in a city, you can get around just by using a debit / credit card but villages and rural zones? Coins and notes.
I'm fortunate I live near a big town next to a big city - one of the last things I had to pay cash for was a regular swim, but they now accept contactless too - it takes less than three seconds at reception, they see me walk through the door hold the machine out I touch it with card, even the buses allow payment by contactless card - but I've got a travel pass.
I mainly use plastic debit, but still prefer using cash in pubs and restaurants, if I'm not spending too much. I also mainly pay for coffee via apps on my phone, as I can order ahead and it's usually ready when I reach the shop.
Still need that bit of cash on me but nowadays over the year i believe i use 90% plastic 10% cash.
I never use contact less I hate that it takes a few days to show on account. I generally prefer to use cash if I can
I still go to some places where they are cash only, so I do carry something just in case
I certainly use a lot less cash nowadays. I use contactless all the time and don't see the problem with it. I always put my card straight back in my RFID blocking wallet and keep that safely on my person at all times. I always have some cash on me though, my local bakery doesn't take card.
I've noticed I carry less and less cash on me all the time, i don't know if its cause i base finances on my bank and i kind of ignore cash, oops! I am forever using contactless too, I definitely feel everything has advanced so much in the last few years!
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