Shoppers Often Encouraged to Pay in Cash, Survey Finds

More than half of shoppers say businesses have recently encouraged them to pay in cash, according to a survey. The findings cover cafes, independent shops, and other small outlets, and describe how customers responded. This explainer breaks down what happened, who is affected, and practical steps for consumers and merchants.

What happened

A survey by Link found that 54% of people reported being asked or encouraged to pay with cash by a business in the past eight weeks. The encouragement ranged from signs indicating cash acceptance or preference to direct requests at the counter. Among those asked to pay with cash, about 75% actually completed their purchase using cash, coins, or banknotes.

Who is affected

The pattern was observed across cafes, independent shops, hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, outdoor markets, and some larger retail settings. The share of people reporting this was higher in Northern Ireland, where 69% said they had been encouraged to pay in cash and were more likely to complete the purchase using cash. The report does not specify impacts by age or income, but it notes the behavior involved both customers and a range of small-outlet businesses.

Practical steps for shoppers and merchants

For shoppers: Carry a small amount of cash if you want to avoid being pressured to pay digitally. If you prefer cash, you can politely confirm cash acceptance before paying to avoid delays. For those who prefer digital payments, know that many small businesses still accommodate card or mobile payments, even when asked to use cash.

For merchants: Be clear about accepted payment methods to avoid confusion. Consider posting a short note at the till showing which payments are accepted, and train staff to handle requests in a respectful way that aligns with your business policy and customer expectations.

Limits and questions

The source is a single survey with a specific sample, and it reports self-selected responses about what happened in the past eight weeks. It does not reveal why businesses encouraged cash payments, nor whether broader trends (like long-term cash use or regulatory changes) are driving the behavior. The results reflect consumer reports and may be influenced by local norms and the time period studied.

Information and responsibility notice: This article is general information based on the cited material available when published. It is not legal, tax, immigration, medical, financial, banking, or investment advice; it does not create a professional-client relationship; and it is not a guarantee of outcome, availability, accuracy, or eligibility. Rules, schedules, prices, and third-party information can change. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority and an appropriately qualified adviser before acting.