UK Shops and Businesses That No Longer Accept Cash

The cashless society is on the horizon.  And while it might not be quite here yet, an increasing number of UK shops and businesses are no longer accepting cash.  Whilst some people see this as a positive trend, a section of society still depends on cash.  And the movement towards digital payments is most likely to affect older and more vulnerable people.

According to UK Finance, cash transactions accounted for just 12% of all payments in 2024, compared with 56% in 2010.  The use of cash is declining rapidly, with some estimates predicting it will be extinct by 2030.

But not everyone can or wants to go cashless.

Older people, those without bank accounts, and individuals living in debt or financial insecurity still rely on cash for budgeting and everyday purchases. The charity Age UK warns that millions could be disadvantaged if cash acceptance continues to vanish.

List of UK Shops and Businesses That No Longer Accept Cash

Gail’s Bakery – all branches of this popular bakery chain are now cashless

Pizzahut – Pizzahut states that all of its stores are cashless

Zizzi – The restaurant chain no longer accepts cash in the majority of stores

Asda Petrol Station – Asda are switching to unmanned, digital-only payments at its forecourt petrol stations

Itsu – The Asian inspired restaurant no longer accepts cash payments

Tesco Cafes – Tesco cafes offer digital payment options only, with their on-screen ordering system

Cote Brasserie – The modern French restaurant has been cash-free since 2022

Pret-a-Manger trialled a cash-free system for a short time but decided to continue accepting cash at most of their stores.  However some stores are cash-free so check before visiting.

It is Not Illegal for a UK business to Refuse Cash

Despite concerns from charities and community groups, it is not illegal for a shop or business to refuse to accept cash payments in the UK.  Businesses can legally choose to accept whatever payment forms they like, and some feel that handling cash involves additional security risk and work.

In other countries and some states in the USA, laws require restaurants to accept cash for transactions to ensure everyone can pay for their meal.  There is no such legislation in the UK.

Sweden is often cited as one of the leading countries in going cashless.  Less than 5% of purchases in Sweden are made using cash.  However, this decline in cash transactions was so alarming that it forced the central bank to intervene to preserve a minimum level of cash access.

The Risk of Discrimination

Charities such as Age UK have warned that going cashless may disproportionately affect vulnerable members of society.  Some trades and businesses depend on cash, such as window cleaners, gardeners, and odd-job people.

We also use cash to tip for a job well done or to drop in a charity collection tin.  Losing cash would be more disruptive than we could imagine.  See our article on why we still need cash here:  https://www.mrsthrifty.co.uk/money-hacks/reasons-why-we-still-need-cash/ 

Has your favourite store gone cashless?  Do you think the move to a cashless society would be positive or negative?  Let us know in the comments below.