Aussies vow to ditch debit cards in protest of increasingly cashless society
Some Australians are ditching their credit and debit cards this week in protest of what they say is an increasingly cashless society.
While the vast majority of Aussie retailers accept both cash and electronic payments, and according to Australian law "the provider of goods is at liberty to set the terms upon which payment will take place", many remain less than impressed.
So much so they've begun a "Cash Only Week" movement, apparently taking place throughout the nation from July 3 to 10.
READ MORE: Money Matters: Is it legal for a shop to only accept cash as payment?
Aussies vow to ditch debit cards in protest of increasingly cashless society Facebook
It's particularly garnered traction on social media, where users have flagged an increase in credit card charges and anti-big bank rhetoric as reasons for the move.
"Stop paying fees and charges that big corps impose on us," a flyer for the so-called protest said.
"Banks get richer as we get poorer.
"Start asking for better deals with cash.
"Make your hard earned go further, small steps towards big wins for all of us."
It's unknown how many people around the country are taking part in the "protest" and which cities are set to be affected.
Some social media posts had clocked hundreds of likes and comments across both Twitter and Facebook.
READ MORE: Mum survives coma after scratch turns into flesh-eating infection
Aussies vow to ditch debit cards in protest of increasingly cashless society Facebook
Though relatively uncommon, in Australia business owners are allowed to reject customers based on their payment preference.
According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, the provider of the goods or services is "at liberty to set the commercial terms upon which payment will take place before the 'contract' for supply of the goods or services is entered into".
In simple language, as long as it is made clear before a product has been purchased or a service has started, it is legal for a business to dictate how it would like to be paid - as long as the other party agrees, of course.
Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
