Walmart not taking cash.

[gkainz]

Self-check, I believe includes the bill and coin machine to accept cash and dispense change. No personal interaction required.
Second, arguing with a cashier gets you absolutely no where. Maybe the manager, but highly doubtful there, as well. These workers have no latitude to deviate from policy and procedure, in my opinion. Not based on any experience, just jaded, wore-out opinion... and we all have them.

 

[MauleSkinner]

Self-check, I believe includes the bill and coin machine to accept cash and dispense change. No personal interaction required.
Second, arguing with a cashier gets you absolutely no where. Maybe the manager, but highly doubtful there, as well. These workers have no latitude to deviate from policy and procedure, in my opinion. Not based on any experience, just jaded, wore-out opinion... and we all have them.

Good thing nobody’s been suggesting arguing with a cashier.

 

[danhagan]

As a small business owner, I prefer cash payors so I don't have to lose 1-3.5% for credit card handling. Years ago, you could go to Sears or K-Mart and they'd discount that amount for NOT using the credit card.

 

[MauleSkinner]

As a small business owner, I prefer cash payors so I don't have to lose 1-3.5% for credit card handling. Years ago, you could go to Sears or K-Mart and they'd discount that amount for NOT using the credit card.

Years and years ago they’d charge that amount extra for using credit cards.

 

[RussR]

I guess I don't understand the "outrage". I mean, if I was in the same situation, I'd realize pretty quickly that I had two options. 1) leave everything there in the cart, walk out, drive to another store, find everything again, and pay cash, or 2) just say "meh, whatever" and pay with some other method. I know which one would take around an hour of my day and which would take a few seconds, so that's a pretty easy choice for me.

I do use cash for a lot of transactions, but it doesn't bother me one bit if a business doesn't accept it, there are multiple other ways to pay. It's 2021 after all. And I've never used cash to buy anything online...

because everyone has the option to not use cash

right?

can anyone think of people who don't have a credit card or a debit card?

those people (no credit, no debit) don't exist, right?

As this was posted immediately after mine, I'll answer as if it was a response to my comments. If not, then nevermind.

The issue of generally lower-income people not having access to other forms of payment than cash is a real one, and one that we as a society will have to address before we go truly cashless, as they have done in some European countries, I understand.

But my response was to the OP and his specific situation with his wife. Now, I may be making a big assumption here, but I'll bet that most people here, being pilots/aircraft owners/etc., are not in the demographic where access to credit is a problem. Since the OP did not say anywhere in the post that his wife couldn't pay via credit simply because she forgot her credit cards at home, or that she couldn't pay because they don't have any credit cards due to not being able to qualify (granted that would be a little too personal to post on this board), it came across as just a personal choice to not like to pay via credit. And hence why I don't understand the "outrage" at having to pay via credit.

 

[Kenny Phillips]

I'm not a lawyer (though I've been sued a couple of times), but I have to wonder: What constitutes a "debt"?

If I bring a pack of gum to the counter at 7-11, am I actually in "debt"? Seems to me there's no debt until both parties have agreed to the transaction. If the seller isn't willing to accept a $5 bill, seems to me that no transaction has yet taken place.

Now, if I pumped gas into my car before payment, then I most certainly have incurred a debt, and the counterperson is obligated to accept my $1,000 bill.

Ron Wanttaja

I would take a $1000 bill, if it was genuine, for any debt! My first employer had a $500 and a $1000 bill framed. He got them right before the ban, and could afford to have the equivalent of ten grand of today's money decorating his walls.

 

[bflynn]

But my response was to the OP and his specific situation with his wife. Now, I may be making a big assumption here, but I'll bet that most people here, being pilots/aircraft owners/etc., are not in the demographic where access to credit is a problem.

I tend to agree. At the same time, there are people, including pilots, who choose not to use credit for various reasons, . That can be recognition of a lack of self control, mistrust of the credit system, or a moral or religious prohibition against borrowing.

the call out that a refusal to accept cash is discriminatory is legitimate on multiple fronts.

 

[SoonerAviator]

Tin foil hats have nothing to do with the topic. There are large chunks of people on the lower end of the income spectrum that don’t have ready access to electronic payment option.

I see you have subsequently stated your don’t give a crap meter is pegged so I won’t continue.

I still don't understand that statement. Why wouldn't they have ready access to a basic checking account that costs nothing and gets them a debit card?

 

[Cap'n Jack]

I still don't understand that statement. Why wouldn't they have ready access to a basic checking account that costs nothing and gets them a debit card?

Unless you're a child or qualify to be in some credit unions, many, possibly all, banks don't have a free checking account unless certain criteria are met- minimum deposit amounts, direct deposit, or something else.


Anyone who can afford to fly qualifies for free checking, other than a CFI maybe.

 

[gkainz]

Good thing nobody’s been suggesting arguing with a cashier.

change "arguing" to "any comment whatsoever" will be met with an eyeroll and a "whatever"

 

[RussR]

I still don't understand that statement. Why wouldn't they have ready access to a basic checking account that costs nothing and gets them a debit card?

In addition to @Cap'n Jack 's answer, many banks and credit unions now run a credit check for new account holders. This would be a problem for many people in a certain demographic who may not have any credit history at all.

 

[tspear]

In addition to @Cap'n Jack 's answer, many banks and credit unions now run a credit check for new account holders. This would be a problem for many people in a certain demographic who may not have any credit history at all.

Or have a negative history.
If you have bad credit, it can actually cost you hundreds of dollars you likely do not have to open a secured debit account which usually gets you to a hundred debit limit. Many secured debit accounts have a min balance two or three times the daily advance limit.
That is more money than many people keep available.

Tim

Sent from my HD1907 using Tapatalk

 

[MauleSkinner]

change "arguing" to "any comment whatsoever" will be met with an eyeroll and a "whatever"

Suggesting I change what you said to fit your argument will be met with the same response.

or are you suggesting just leaving the groceries and walking out with no explanation is a better plan?

 

[SoonerAviator]

Unless you're a child or qualify to be in some credit unions, many, possibly all, banks don't have a free checking account unless certain criteria are met- minimum deposit amounts, direct deposit, or something else.
View attachment 96329

Anyone who can afford to fly qualifies for free checking, other than a CFI maybe.

Eh, most banks and credit unions have pretty low thresholds. Several offer online banking (CapitalOne for example) for zero fees or deposit minimums. Solutions are out there for those in the lower income demographic if they desire to have it, it's honestly not a significant barrier to just about anyone.

 

[cowman]

You used to be able to buy a pre-paid credit card with cash.... at Wal-Mart.

I’m now wondering though, is this a new nationwide policy? Local government thing? Or just that store? I’m suspecting just that store since I would expect to have heard about it in the news/social media if a retailer as big as Wal-Mart no longer took cash.

 

[Zeldman]

At the start of COVID, there were places around here that wouldn't take cash. I assumed it was because of perceived transmission risk. I think that theory has been debunked, but I walked by a restaurant the other day that still has the sign up. They also only do takeout. My other theory is that they don't want cash on had in case they are robbed. That said, none of these places is nearly as big as Walmart.

A lot of businesses did the same here. Fear of catching the virus had something to do with it, but that thought quickly went away.

Another problem was a shortage of coins, so there were places that would round up to the next dollar and not give coin change back. Like a lot of folks here, I am a cheap ass thrifty with my money so I avoided those places.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

Eh, most banks and credit unions have pretty low thresholds. Several offer online banking (CapitalOne for example) for zero fees or deposit minimums. Solutions are out there for those in the lower income demographic if they desire to have it, it's honestly not a significant barrier to just about anyone.

Says you. I honestly hope you never need to find out first hand.

 

[wanttaja]

You used to be able to buy a pre-paid credit card with cash.... at Wal-Mart.

I buy them myself, at the local grocery store. Charge them to $200-$300. Use them for online purchases if there's any sketchiness about the vendor. That way, if the card number gets stolen, there's no concern about my main credit card account.

However, they AREN'T free. IIRC, I had to pay $10 beyond the value I loaded into the card. Don't know if it varies with the amount loaded.

Ron Wanttaja

 

[SoonerAviator]

Says you. I honestly hope you never need to find out first hand.

I literally gave you an example (CapitalOne) where there were no hurdles (other than perhaps a credit check if they perform one), there are tons of other online-only bank options with similar offerings like Ally. I suppose we can throw "access to a computer" in there as a hurdle in order to sign up for it. I'm sure that those who have very poor credit due to past mistakes can be a big hurdle, but having little-to-no credit probably won't be a non-starter since the type of people who need a free checking account would often include those with low funds/minimal credit.

 

[dmspilot]

Unless you're a child or qualify to be in some credit unions, many, possibly all, banks don't have a free checking account unless certain criteria are met- minimum deposit amounts, direct deposit, or something else.

I currently have three (3) free checking accounts that do not require a minimum balance or direct deposit. Two are at banks and one is at a credit union.

 

[gkainz]

Suggesting I change what you said to fit your argument will be met with the same response.

or are you suggesting just leaving the groceries and walking out with no explanation is a better plan?

I’m suggesting I change what I said, not you. I’m anticipating nothing I might say in that situation would change anything.
Greg

 

[Cap'n Jack]

I currently have three (3) free checking accounts that do not require a minimum balance or direct deposit. Two are at banks and one is at a credit union.

I literally gave you an example (CapitalOne) where there were no hurdles (other than perhaps a credit check if they perform one), there are tons of other online-only bank options with similar offerings like Ally. I suppose we can throw "access to a computer" in there as a hurdle in order to sign up for it. I'm sure that those who have very poor credit due to past mistakes can be a big hurdle, but having little-to-no credit probably won't be a non-starter since the type of people who need a free checking account would often include those with low funds/minimal credit.

How about a screen shot, as I gave?

 

[SoonerAviator]

How about a screen shot, as I gave?

 

[Cap'n Jack]

View attachment 96337

View attachment 96338

Thank you!

 

[Morgan3820]

I literally gave you an example (CapitalOne) where there were no hurdles (other than perhaps a credit check if they perform one), there are tons of other online-only bank options with similar offerings like Ally. I suppose we can throw "access to a computer" in there as a hurdle in order to sign up for it. I'm sure that those who have very poor credit due to past mistakes can be a big hurdle, but having little-to-no credit probably won't be a non-starter since the type of people who need a free checking account would often include those with low funds/minimal credit.

I’m with Cap’n Jack on this one. There is a whole slice of society that you probably don’t participate in that is completely off the grid financially. If you have never been part of the demographic you really don’t have the concept. I have never known want or hunger and I don’t understand why in this nation there is such a thing but I do know it exists.

 

[Groundpounder]

Having access to credit or a debit card is kind of like having a photo ID. Anyone can get it if they put the effort in. But some people don't want to put that effort in, and then gripe when they can't do something because of not having one.

 

[AKiss20]

I suppose we can throw "access to a computer" in there as a hurdle in order to sign up for it

Per Pew Research, 7% of Americans report not using the internet at all in 2019, but that rises to 27% of people with less than a high school education. Only 73% of Americans have access to broadband, but again that rises to 45% of people with less than a high school education. Access to a computer and internet, as well as the knowledge how to use them, is not a given despite the fact that it is seemingly ubiquitous in the circles I am sure many of us travel in.

https://www.pewresearch.org/interne...menuItem=e60540d5-6342-47eb-835d-21b1c0a5e37b

Furthermore, I think even then schools in the US do a pretty terrible job at teaching financial literacy. In my middle school I was required to take Home Economics which included sewing, cooking, and a few other things but nothing about finances. In high school that wasn't even an option (I believe there was 1 cooking based home ec class). I have several friends in their late 20s who are highly educated but still have never had a credit card and have essentially zero credit history.

 

[SoonerAviator]

I’m with Cap’n Jack on this one. There is a whole slice of society that you probably don’t participate in that is completely off the grid financially. If you have never been part of the demographic you really don’t have the concept. I have never known want or hunger and I don’t understand why in this nation there is such a thing but I do know it exists.

I have never been "without options" financially, but my college days were paycheck to paycheck and balancing my checkbook daily. This isn't an argument about not understanding that people love in extreme poverty, it's an argument that access to other means of payment (namely a bank card/account) doesn't really pose the hurdle that it used to. I used to work in banking (back in college), so I've seen first-hand the havoc that overdraft fees and such can wreak on those who are scraping by to make ends meet. However, obtaining a checking account is pretty easy if you don't have a ton of credit reasons for a bank to reject you outright.

Sent from my SM-N976U using Tapatalk

 

[tspear]

However, obtaining a checking account is pretty easy if you don't have a ton of credit reasons for a bank to reject you outright.

It WAS easy. Not anymore.

Tim

 

[SoonerAviator]

Per Pew Research, 7% of Americans report not using the internet at all in 2019, but that rises to 27% of people with less than a high school education. Only 73% of Americans have access to broadband, but again that rises to 45% of people with less than a high school education. Access to a computer and internet, as well as the knowledge how to use them, is not a given despite the fact that it is seemingly ubiquitous in the circles I am sure many of us travel in.

https://www.pewresearch.org/interne...menuItem=e60540d5-6342-47eb-835d-21b1c0a5e37b

Furthermore, I think even then schools in the US do a pretty terrible job at teaching financial literacy. In my middle school I was required to take Home Economics which included sewing, cooking, and a few other things but nothing about finances. In high school that wasn't even an option (I believe there was 1 cooking based home ec class). I have several friends in their late 20s who are highly educated but still have never had a credit card and have essentially zero credit history.

Agree with you that there is a gap, especially in the financial education realm. They'll teach you to do disect the structure of a sentence, but ignore how to plan investments, buy a car/home, the impact of paying credit card interest, or how to balance your budget. Life skills are often learned the hard way.

Sent from my SM-N976U using Tapatalk

 

[AKiss20]

Life skills are often learned the hard way.

And perhaps more importantly, life skills are often taught to you by your parents or family. I know that the conservative way I handle my finances is very much modeled after that which I was shown and taught by my mother and father. I thought it was totally normal to have a safety deposit box, my family always had one growing up, so when I turned 21 I got one myself. I also got a basic will, healthcare proxy etc to store in it. Only later did I learn that basically no one my age had one.

Unfortunately that reality only perpetuates the cycle of, at best, financial disengagement and, at worst, poor financial choices (often made out of ignorance or misinformation).

 

[SoonerAviator]

And perhaps more importantly, life skills are often taught to you by your parents or family. I know that the conservative way I handle my finances is very much modeled after that which I was shown and taught by my mother and father. I thought it was totally normal to have a safety deposit box, my family always had one growing up, so when I turned 21 I got one myself. I also got a basic will, healthcare proxy etc to store in it. Only later did I learn that basically no one my age had one.

Unfortunately that reality only perpetuates the cycle of, at best, financial disengagement and, at worst, poor financial choices (often made out of ignorance or misinformation).

Right. My mother/father always emphasized living within my means and being financially conservative. The one thing my father did was get me a credit card in my name when I was 17 or so, but I only used it for normal purchases (like him sending me out to the grocery store) and he paid it off. It helped build a little bit of credit history early on, even though I didn't have any immediate use for it. Those with lesser financial acumen (which undoubtedly includes a larger proportion of low income earners) don't pass that information on to the next generation due in large part to ignorance or misinformation (as you mentioned).

 

[Tarheelpilot]

I still don't understand that statement. Why wouldn't they have ready access to a basic checking account that costs nothing and gets them a debit card?

Heck man I don’t know for sure. I’ve never been that broke. All I know is that in the group of people that I interacted with in law enforcement and the community outreach program I volunteer are commonly cash only people without bank accounts. Their mattress really is their bank.

 

[Steve Costello]

Man. An awful lot of people in this thread have clearly never spent any time with or have never bothered to learn about some the people we are talking about.

There are millions of folks out there with extremely limited options for banking (and even less for reasonable credit). I'll take North St. Louis (and even worse, East St. Louis) as an example. How many banks do you think are in those areas? I'll give you a hint... it's pretty close to zero. And if there are banks there, there is only one branch for MILES (as compared to relatively richer areas that have at least one bank on every corner). Additionally, they aren't credit unions, they are banks that (generally) are the big ones, and generally have account minimums.

Know what those communities have LOADS of? Payday loan stores that leech off these people and get them into neverending death spirals of debt.

Communities like that have only KNOWN hardship... they have very little in terms of anything resembling financial education. They have almost zero financial infrastructure in their communities.

And that doesn't even get into the cultural distrust of financial institutions in the first place. These folks have been taken advantage of for generations by banks. The majority of the people living in these communities simply don't trust banks, and I can't blame them. As stated above, for a lot of these people, their mattress is their bank... if they even have any money to begin with, considering a lot of them are already working a few jobs and still barely keeping their nose above water.

I've been poor (nearly homeless), and taken for an absolute ride by a major bank for incredibly minor overdrafts (less than $20) due to terrible timing. One cycle of overdrafts cost me hundreds of dollars in a matter of hours... and I had no idea. So yeah... there's significant distrust of financial institutions that profit off the backs of people that are barely keeping a roof over their heads while they make a decision between ketchup soup and keeping the electricity on.

Awfully easy to judge things that you don't understand.

 

[Sierra_Hotel]

Suggesting I change what you said to fit your argument will be met with the same response.

or are you suggesting just leaving the groceries and walking out with no explanation is a better plan?

Yes. The cashier working absolutely falls into the "I don't get paid enough to care" category. When OP's wife was told they weren't accepting cash, the only necessary response was, "OK, bye."

 

[Steve Costello]

The cashier working absolutely falls into the "I don't get paid enough to care" category.

Ain't that the truth. Just do not get paid enough to deal with the crap that people throw at them, especially over the past year.

Also, I noticed the OP said that they weren't accepting cash "today." Does that mean not accepting it just today (could be a problem with their safe or something?) or not any more ever?

 

[MauleSkinner]

Yes. The cashier working absolutely falls into the "I don't get paid enough to care" category. When OP's wife was told they weren't accepting cash, the only necessary response was, "OK, bye."

If the cashier falls into the “I don’t get paid enough to care” category, the cashier also falls into the “I’m a complete waste of oxygen” category. As does the cashier’s supervisor if he or she doesn’t ask said cashier why somebody left a cart of groceries and walked out.

 

[Sierra_Hotel]

My dad is one of those that absolutely has to make a comment along those lines. "Well, so and so down the street WILL do this or that." And I can't help the automatic eye roll response it induces any time I hear it. The person hearing it most definitely doesn't not have a single care in the world that he is being inconvenienced.

 

[Sierra_Hotel]

If the cashier falls into the “I don’t get paid enough to care” category, the cashier also falls into the “I’m a complete waste of oxygen” category. As does the cashier’s supervisor if he or she doesn’t wonder why somebody left a cart of groceries and walked out.

Cashier's response: I told them we weren't accepting cash, they walked off. Case closed.

My point being, the reason for the person walking off is of zero consequence to the cashier and they almost certainly do not want to hear whatever story is being told. They certainly don't care the store down the street will accept cash.

 

[Steve Costello]

If the cashier falls into the “I don’t get paid enough to care” category, the cashier also falls into the “I’m a complete waste of oxygen” category. As does the cashier’s supervisor if he or she doesn’t wonder why somebody left a cart of groceries and walked out.

Most of these folks are getting paid minimum wage, no benefits, zero say in the cash acceptance situation, and absolutely no benefit to them whatsoever to get into an argument with the customer.

"We don't accept cash." That should be the end of the story. If the customer has a problem with that, take it up with corporate, not someone trying to eke out a living on $8.25 an hour.