Why don't people carry cash?

[fowler9]

I rarely ever carry more than £30 at any one time - mainly for a couple of pints in the pub and a pack of fags, which are just shame-inducing when you pay by card and they turn up on your bank statement!

This is generally enough to get out of most problems - but the main reason for not carrying more is the potential for theft. Pickpockets at mainline and tube stations, or worse street muggings on way home at night. If you haven't got it on you, they can't take it.

London, and I'm guessing many other big cities, are war zones for this kind of stuff - in this case not carrying too much cash becomes less of a choice and more an essential personal security measure.

Mate I have been mugged in a proper hardcore sense of the word but I had no money anyway so they got nothing and actually got collared and got sentenced. As for being pick pocketed, I have travelled a fair bit and keep my money in different pockets normally with a drop wallet. If all your money is on one card you loose it all in one go if who ever is robbing you gets it.

London is kids stuff. Carry a drop wallet and take precautions. And even that is a bit much in London.

 

[londiscape]

Mate I have been mugged in a proper hardcore sense of the word but I had no money anyway so they got nothing and actually got collared and got sentenced. As for being pick pocketed, I have travelled a fair bit and keep my money in different pockets normally with a drop wallet. If all your money is on one card you loose it all in one go if who ever is robbing you gets it.

London is kids stuff. Carry a drop wallet and take precautions. And even that is a bit much in London.

Firstly, I'm glad that the subhuman slime that mugged you actually got caught - this is rare in London as the Met are understaffed. Hope they got years inside, but i doubt it, the crap sentences that usually get handed down for this stuff are derisory.

I'll take your post as good advice - until now I've never thought to carry a drop wallet but now you mention it - it's simple to do and a good idea. I had thought of carrying cards only, or minimal cash, as safe since they don't know my PIN and therefore can't get at the money, and surely ordering tons of crap online wouldn't be possible since I'd cancel my cards minutes after robbery.

 

[maniacmartin]

What is a drop wallet? A wallet with useless stuff in that you hand over whilst keeping your real wallet safe?

 

[fowler9]

Firstly, I'm glad that the subhuman slime that mugged you actually got caught - this is rare in London as the Met are understaffed. Hope they got years inside, but i doubt it, the crap sentences that usually get handed down for this stuff are derisory.

I'll take your post as good advice - until now I've never thought to carry a drop wallet but now you mention it - it's simple to do and a good idea. I had thought of carrying cards only, or minimal cash, as safe since they don't know my PIN and therefore can't get at the money, and surely ordering tons of crap online wouldn't be possible since I'd cancel my cards minutes after robbery.

Cheers mate. The mugging took place in a nice area of Liverpool near where I live. It was also outside the house of an off duty police officer which helped and there was a bit of a brawl which attracted attention and witnesses.

As for the carrying cash and not cards it is from when I have been travelling. When travelling I normally wear a good pair of walking trousers which have hidden pockets behind the ones on the hips and the leg pockets (Like combat kecks with extra pockets behind). If anyone dips my pockets they will get small change and nothing else.

The drop wallet I normally carry actually in a money belt so if I get held up it looks convincing and it has some out of date cash cards, about £20 of emergency money in whatever money and some blag ID, an over 18 ID card (I am 39, I don't need it).

You really don't need this stuff in the UK but it is an idea if you are worried. It was handy in South America and Africa where I realised I had been dipped but only my ciggy lighter had gone. If you get mugged you will be ****ting yourself anyway and look convincing when you give them the money belt with your drop wallet. If it reaches the point where they search all your clothes well you are up **** creek anyway so who cares. Most thieves just want an easy time.

Most thieves won't even bother if they can see you have your eyes open and I had no problem ever apart from drunk in Liverpool and Bradford.

I meant to say, I know the lads involved did at least a few years.

 

[ModernRailways]

I use card for all payments. If I'm going on a trip somewhere and need to limit my spending I will take it out as cash and then just use cash.

I use cash on a weekday for my lunch, but other than that it's card only.

I use a debit card too, so if I don't have the money then I can't buy the item, that helps a lot instead of just spending every penny I find.

My grandad on the other hand will use cash for every transaction possible. He has never used a 'hole in the wall' and uses his credit card maybe once every two years to buy something big for extra protection.

 

[londiscape]

What is a drop wallet? A wallet with useless stuff in that you hand over whilst keeping your real wallet safe?

Yes, exactly - I believe it's an American term originally - here's a thread in a US forum discussing it:

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/carry-defensive-scenarios/108446-drop-wallet.html
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Cheers mate. The mugging took place in a nice area of Liverpool near where I live. It was also outside the house of an off duty police officer which helped and there was a bit of a brawl which attracted attention and witnesses.

As for the carrying cash and not cards it is from when I have been travelling. When travelling I normally wear a good pair of walking trousers which have hidden pockets behind the ones on the hips and the leg pockets (Like combat kecks with extra pockets behind). If anyone dips my pockets they will get small change and nothing else.

The drop wallet I normally carry actually in a money belt so if I get held up it looks convincing and it has some out of date cash cards, about £20 of emergency money in whatever money and some blag ID, an over 18 ID card (I am 39, I don't need it).

You really don't need this stuff in the UK but it is an idea if you are worried. It was handy in South America and Africa where I realised I had been dipped but only my ciggy lighter had gone. If you get mugged you will be ****ting yourself anyway and look convincing when you give them the money belt with your drop wallet. If it reaches the point where they search all your clothes well you are up **** creek anyway so who cares. Most thieves just want an easy time.

Most thieves won't even bother if they can see you have your eyes open and I had no problem ever apart from drunk in Liverpool and Bradford.

Got it - all good advice again, many thanks. Usually I'm wearing slacks while travelling as it's got to be acceptable work attire - but the money belt looks like a plan and worth investing in. Thanks again.

I meant to say, I know the lads involved did at least a few years.

Good to hear that, at least sometimes the criminal justice system actually lives up to its name!

 

[fowler9]

What is a drop wallet? A wallet with useless stuff in that you hand over whilst keeping your real wallet safe?

Yeah mate. Just a wallet with some slummy in it and a few old cards. It is a bit of an American term but it is handy to have. Never had to use one but the trousers with hidden pockets were handy since I discovered things missing. Again, I really wouldn't bother with all this in the UK. If someone mugs you you pull a drop wallet out of your money belt, whoever is robbing you legs it with naff all. Your cards, passports and cash are spread amongst the other pockets in you clothes.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Yes, exactly - I believe it's an American term originally - here's a thread in a US forum discussing it:

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/carry-defensive-scenarios/108446-drop-wallet.html
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Got it - all good advice again, many thanks. Usually I'm wearing slacks while travelling as it's got to be acceptable work attire - but the money belt looks like a plan and worth investing in. Thanks again.


Good to hear that, at least sometimes the criminal justice system actually lives up to its name!

Mate you can get other belts that strap around your leg etc. It was good that this guy got sent down, at the end of the day though it normaly won't even come down to that, a pickpocket will dip your most obvious pocket, just have nothing in there.

 

[trainophile]

Thought about this thread today when I was grudgingly forking out 30p at MAN to use the loo! (Wouldn't you think they'd make them free for a day, knowing people will be stuck there for hours? Must have been a goldmine today).

I have various sets of 10p+20p coins for these occasions, although I admit I try to avoid paying by going before I get off a train if there's a wait for the next one. Don't you cashless folk even carry such emergency funds?

 

[boyaloud]

Thought about this thread today when I was grudgingly forking out 30p at MAN to use the loo! (Wouldn't you think they'd make them free for a day, knowing people will be stuck there for hours? Must have been a goldmine today).

I have various sets of 10p+20p coins for these occasions, although I admit I try to avoid paying by going before I get off a train if there's a wait for the next one. Don't you cashless folk even carry such emergency funds?

There's a free loo in the Mayfield bar on the balcony above Burger King in Piccadilly - I always use this - its coded lock hasn't been in use for years - you just push the door.

 

[andrewkeith5]

I always pay by card - in fact the only real reason for my using cash nowadays is either when I'm getting close to my spending budget for the month, or for the hilariously named "Cashless Catering" at work, which can only be funded by topping up the card with...cash...

I have two current accounts and two credit cards, none of which are with RBS group (it amazes me that people refuse to take their business away from a company who have proven so effectively how bad they are at running IT systems!) so rarely have a problem unless the retailer either doesn't accept cards (which is so rare nowadays it's their loss) or can't keep their card machine working.

Three of my cards are contactless, which is such a useful tool - with a competent cashier, I can pay in less than the time it would take to get a note into the till, let alone mess around with change.

Though I will conceed that paying for toilets is doubly frustrating when you have to first fine a cash machine, then a shop, then items in a shop that mean you'll get the correct change! I have found that hotels, pubs and fast food resturants are often the best solution, however...

 

[ATW Alex 101]

Thought about this thread today when I was grudgingly forking out 30p at MAN to use the loo! (Wouldn't you think they'd make them free for a day, knowing people will be stuck there for hours? Must have been a goldmine today).

I have various sets of 10p+20p coins for these occasions, although I admit I try to avoid paying by going before I get off a train if there's a wait for the next one. Don't you cashless folk even carry such emergency funds?

Technically you don't need to pay if you're not using an actual bog. That's why I have a quick look them jump over. At Manchester who is there to stop you from jumping onto a Pendo or voyager that isn't leaving for a while?

 

[gingerheid]

I find it easier to keep track of spending if it's almost all by card; I tend to pay for anything over about £4 by card.

I've just got a phone with contactless payment and for anything under £4 in cost it's just so fast and easy.

I do try to keep some cash, though. When I remember...

 

[fowler9]

I find it easier to keep track of spending if it's almost all by card; I tend to pay for anything over about £4 by card.

I've just got a phone with contactless payment and for anything under £4 in cost it's just so fast and easy.

I do try to keep some cash, though. When I remember...

If you buy a round in a pub with a card you deserve to be shot! (Only kidding mate of course).

 

[Yew]

Try to use cash where I can, I can keep track of it better. I even bought a £12,500 car in cash .

I suggest you research a bankers draft

 

[Tetchytyke]

If you buy a round in a pub with a card you deserve to be shot!

Given how much a round of beers cost down here, most people use cards.

Why don't I carry much cash? Because transport down here costs double when you use cash.

 

[Deerfold]

If you buy a round in a pub with a card you deserve to be shot! (Only kidding mate of course).

That rather depends on the pub. Some pubs have card systems that are agonisingly slow whilst some are quicker than using cash (and a handful are contactless which is useful for the first round at least).

 

[cuccir]

Experienced a Cross Country Guard who couldn't work his card machine earlier. He blamed a software update which reflects poorly on either him or the TOC. I was trying to buy a Weekend First and had to pay for a ticket for part of my journey, using the cash I had on me, and was fortunate to meet an excellent and helpful guard who successfully excessed ths on my second train.

As the only passenger in first, I smiled politely when the guard came back through saying "everyone wants to pay by card today" in an infuriated tone! I sympathize with his plight, but equally I think this shows that TOCs really need to get their act together vis à vis always accepting cards and having reliable machines and well trained staff.

 

[sarahj]

Today had a odd one. Girl travelling from mouslecoombe to fratton, checking tickets on my Brighton to Portsmouth. Wanted a single to Fratton. Went to use her card, got the pin number wrong 3 times. Claimed it was a new card and did not know the pin, but dated from October, and there were marks etc on the card that showed it had been used. Not signed either, and she had no other form of ID. Said, she would have to get off and discuss this with the ticket office at Worthing. It was then a male (with his GF) came up and paid the fare.
Perhaps one for the good deed feed in the metro.

 

[jon0844]

I've got a credit card in my wallet that I don't know the PIN for - making it useless for anything but an online payment.

It is, however, signed!

(I do intend to check the PIN and then go to a cash machine to change it one day).

 

[Crossover]

I always like to have cash on me, and I do need it for the canteen at work also.

Small purchases I will often pay with cash (except rail tickets where I am at a card only machine) anything larger and I would often pay by card as I don't see the point in paying cash then going to an ATM to get more cash out...

My sister has bought a Freddo on card before at our local Tesco.
A branch of Mcdonalds in Liverpool has loads of self serve machines that only take card.

I know a motorway service area has them for some KFC and BK outlets, again card only

There was someone at a McDonalds outlet at our local shopping centre the other day paying £1.29 by card!

Can I remind everyone that it is very possible to fall into a hole with credit cards/debts.

Not so much so if one doesn't use a credit card :P

That rather depends on the pub. Some pubs have card systems that are agonisingly slow whilst some are quicker than using cash (and a handful are contactless which is useful for the first round at least).

I think it can sometimes depend on the connection type. Some still use effectively dial-up, and they can be painfully slow. Some I believe use ADSL which authorises in milliseconds

 

[atillathehunn]

I notice very large differences between the card culture between here, Belgium and the UK regularly. It has shocked me reading this thread that there are so many people suggesting we are silly for not carrying cash! The OV card is the main form of payment for travel on public transport. If that system breaks on the bus for instance, travel is free. If they cannot accept my money which is legal tender, it's their problem.
Over here, you use your card for everything. Whether it's a €0.50 loaf of bread or a car. I don't think I've held cash in my wallet more than the €1.50 I need in cash twice a week. I will then confess I became complacent. On a recent visit to Belgium I completely forgot the differences. I found I could hardly use my card anywhere. On a few occasions we had to make a quick dash to the nearest ATM with one of our party left as collateral. Even (making it relevant to the thread) on the train from the guard your card can be used. Ticket offices are rarely at stations, with automated machines being everywhere and they work well, even selling international tickets in places.
The culture in the UK seems slightly mixed. But here you would be seen as being in the stone age if you said you couldn't take card payment!

 

[185]

In Hong Kong, last week, I used my Octopus card for the MTR Metro for several journeys.

I then realised it was also valid on the Kwun Tong ferry, across to North Point.

Then, I used it on a bus. And a tram (28p!). And a cable car.

I even travelled to a foreign country on the TurboJet hydrofoil, one hour away to Macau.

But then... I used it to buy a can of coke from a vending machine.

And then, at McDonalds I bought a breakfast with it.

The 7-11 store in Kwun Tong by my hotel accepted it.

And that evening, an all you can eat buffet at a restaurant where it was also accepted.

So the moral of this story? Public transport makes you fat. :P


(When I was going home, they gave me my £5 deposit back for it!)

 

[High Dyke]

...Much nicer to walk around in hot weather than jeans and one pair had zip off legs.

I bet that makes it difficult to walk...when you've zipped your legs off?

I too have a number of pairs of 'outdoor' type trousers with numerous zip pockets which are most useful as suggested.

Getting back to the topic. Many years ago i got into debt and had all my bank cards cut up. Thankfully now i am in a better financial position. When i eventually got a credit card again i always said that i would primarily use it for buying fuel or buying on the wobbly web; however that plan doesn't always happen (shopping in store - if i don't have sufficient cash on me). Mind you i wouldn't dream of using a card for a payment of less than £20 or so.

 

[CNash]

I don't get this attitude of not wanting to use a card for small purchases. What's the reasoning behind it? In most cases it takes just as much time to process a small payment as it does a large one, and contactless debit and credit cards are specifically designed for small card purchases.

Yes, cash is quicker, but if I don't have any cash on me I'll happily pay by card and cut out the middleman instead of going to a cash machine, getting cash and returning with it.

 

[vjm1975]

I don't get this attitude of not wanting to use a card for small purchases. What's the reasoning behind it? In most cases it takes just as much time to process a small payment as it does a large one, and contactless debit and credit cards are specifically designed for small card purchases.

Yes, cash is quicker, but if I don't have any cash on me I'll happily pay by card and cut out the middleman instead of going to a cash machine, getting cash and returning with it.

I wonder that too, especially as transaction times for card payments now a much quicker than in the past. Seems common practice around Europe to pay for most things on card.

Seems as usual we are way behind the times in the UK. As mentioned previously, quite a few drinks/snacks vending machines on the continent, and elsewhere in the world accept card payments, here, I rarely see one that will accept notes, let alone card payments.

I will tend to have a couple of pounds of change with me, mainly for use in such mentioned vending machines, or to grab a quick snack somewhere, but more often than not normally use debit card.

One time when cash does come in handy is when there is a group paying for a meal. Much easier to throw ones share in rather than everyone trying to pay individually by card. Also, getting a round of drinks in in a pub, paying by card just doesn't feel right

And for those that question what would happen if the banking systems crashed, aka RBS. Indeed, impossible to use your card, but then, won't be able to use said cards to withdraw money anyway, so unless you had a stash of cash handy just incase, either way you are screwed.

Interestingly yesterday though, at Vue Cheshire Oaks, a technical problem meant that they could not accept card payments, which also meant any pre-booked tickets could not be collected either. They did have back up systems in place for people who had pre-booked tickets, but if paying on the day by card you were out of luck unless you hunted down an ATM first.

 

[jon0844]

Yes, cash is quicker, but if I don't have any cash on me I'll happily pay by card and cut out the middleman instead of going to a cash machine, getting cash and returning with it.

Is cash quicker? You have to give the right amount for the fastest speed, but the person still has to check it and put it in a till (sorting as required) - and if you're not paying the right amount, there's the time needed to give the change.

With a contactless card. It's a tap and you're done in 1-2 seconds. There's not even a requirement to always give a receipt as far as I'm aware, so that speeds things up over paying by the C&P method.

As mentioned previously, quite a few drinks/snacks vending machines on the continent, and elsewhere in the world accept card payments, here, I rarely see one that will accept notes, let alone card payments.

Because of the Olympics (and Visa being a sponsor), the vending machines at Westfield were all modified to take contactless cards*. I'd have thought ALL vending machines would want them, as cash is always a security risk.

* I believe every single retailer was also set up to take payments in this way too, but I am not 100% sure. Certainly within the Olympic park they all did (and only took Visa!).

 

[Gemz91]

Always have at least £50 cash in my wallet. Get sweaty palms if not.

 

[CNash]

With a contactless card. It's a tap and you're done in 1-2 seconds. There's not even a requirement to always give a receipt as far as I'm aware, so that speeds things up over paying by the C&P method.

It's quicker than a non-contactless card payment. You can't always count on the business having contactless readers available.

 

[bb21]

And for those that question what would happen if the banking systems crashed, aka RBS. Indeed, impossible to use your card, but then, won't be able to use said cards to withdraw money anyway, so unless you had a stash of cash handy just incase, either way you are screwed.

If you are sensible you would always have some spare cash (eg. £20) in the wallet so that you don't run into such problems.

 

[jon0844]

It's quicker than a non-contactless card payment. You can't always count on the business having contactless readers available.

I don't know how much the banks charge merchants, but there's no logical reason for not upgrading to take them as soon as possible (unless you're a business that only deals with payments of large sums).

When I took cards, I had to pay extra to process Amex and others, as it would otherwise mean losing business. In the case of contactless payments, if it speeds up transactions (especially as more people will use C&P than pay cash) then there's a benefit right there.

Some large retailers can take a little longer. John Lewis now have the terminals to take contactless, but don't yet do so. I'm surprised they're taking so long actually.

In London, there are pubs now signing up to take drink orders via smartphone apps. I think the same app can also charge the customer too.