Small Change Makes a Big Difference to Australian Businesses

Australian cafés are expressing a preference for cash, sparking a debate on social media about who actually benefits from cashless payments, and the importance of payment choice.

The sign—shared on the Australia subreddit—attracted a variety of comments, with the most popular expressing admiration for the businesses clearly stating their preference while continuing to support other payment options. Other small business owners were supportive, explaining that their electronic payment providers took a percentage of every sale, making cash more profitable.

Responding to someone asking what the advantage of cash is for the customer, another commenter explained how using banknotes and coins help them budget. Their physical nature allows for an instant visual reminder of how much is left, and ‘if you have $20 on hand you can only spend $20.’

Over on Facebook, a similar discussion took place around The Corner Café in Melbourne, which has posted signs declaring ‘CASH IS KING! CARD ALSO WELCOME!’ While some commenters preferred paying by card, others were pleased to see cash in the spotlight and expressed concern about the lack of privacy when using cashless options.

Research from the UK recently showed cash is key to the success of many small and medium businesses, with financial analysts in Nigeria highlighting smaller businesses as those at most risk from the country’s curbs on cash withdrawals. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has also spoken in favour of cash payments, asking consumers to consider using notes and coins to support local businesses.

Ultimately, whatever an individual’s payment preference, offering both cash and cashless options is the best course for a business aiming to satisfy the largest possible number of customers. Nonetheless, independent of regional differences and markets, retailers around the world express the same desire for cash payments to help keep their businesses profitable. Displaying signs that indicate a preference for notes and coins—while confirming other payment options are accepted—is a good way to make it clear to those wishing to support small businesses that cash is king.