Cash or Credit

[Michael G.]

I am really confused about how to pay today using either cash or credit.

Some retailers are taking credit only.
Some are taking cash only.
If you're lucky, some take both.

Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.

....then there's those pesky tips that I'll leave for another day :cus:

Your Thoughts

[Shipping up to Boston]

I am really confused about how to pay today using either cash or credit.

Some retailers are taking credit only.
Some are taking cash only.
If you're lucky, some take both.

Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.

....then there's those pesky tips that I'll leave for another day :cus:

Your Thoughts

There was a thread about this several months ago. I personally use cash wherever/whenever possible. It’s pretty sad that there is a clear move by some to remove cash from our landscape (a move I believe we will regret). That said, I don’t get charged those fees for purchases you’ve described....the retailer might but not me. The ATM issue....use your in network options to avoid fees.

I’ve started to push back on unearned, expected and unwarranted tipping. Specifically, a coffee at a DD...I buy a $25 gift card which creates zero prompts for tips. If I feel a level of service or gesture warrants one, I reach into my cash pocket and tip accordingly

[ElDiabloJoe]

There was a thread about this several months ago. I personally use cash wherever/whenever possible. It’s pretty sad that there is a clear move by some to remove cash from our landscape (a move I believe we will regret). That said, I don’t get charged those fees for purchases you’ve described....the retailer might but not me. The ATM issue....use your in network options to avoid fees.

I’ve started to push back on unearned, expected and unwarranted tipping. Specifically, a coffee at a DD...I buy a $25 gift card which creates zero prompts for tips. If I feel a level of service or gesture warrants one, I reach into my cash pocket and tip accordingly

I concur with this. Additionally, tipping in cash allows the tipped to not report or have to lose 20% of the tip to the IRS. If anyone needs more money in their pocket, it's service industry folks, IMHO.

[retiredguy123]

1. I don't pay anything to withdraw my money from an ATM.
2. I rarely pay a fee to use a credit card because most retailers will accept a credit card with no fee. But I will pay a fee to a contractor if it is for a large purchase.
3. I only use cash in a restaurant.
4. If a retailer requires a fee to use a credit card, in most cases, I will opt to pay cash instead.
5. I never use a debit card for any purchases.

[Bogie Shooter]

I am really confused about how to pay today using either cash or credit.

Some retailers are taking credit only.
Some are taking cash only.
If you're lucky, some take both.

Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.

....then there's those pesky tips that I'll leave for another day :cus:

Your Thoughts

Here ya go 99 thoughts…..
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/credit-card-surcharges-345247/?highlight=Credit+card+fees

[Keefelane66]

I am really confused about how to pay today using either cash or credit.

Some retailers are taking credit only.
Some are taking cash only.
If you're lucky, some take both.

Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.

....then there's those pesky tips that I'll leave for another day :cus:

Your Thoughts
I don’t pay fees to withdraw money from my banks ATM, always have bills and change for the times a business doesn’t take credit card.

[Michael G.]

Here ya go 99 thoughts…..
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/credit-card-surcharges-345247/?highlight=Credit+card+fees

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/personalfinance/want-to-pay-cash-that-ll-cost-you-extra/ar-BB1nJRdo?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=f73c4be4ea86476a8c8fabb1a24ca69b&ei=25

[Stu from NYC]

Since covid rarely pay in cash.

CC for just about everything and do add tips to restaurant bill.

Generally avoid restaurants that add cc surcharge to bill.

[Stu from NYC]

I concur with this. Additionally, tipping in cash allows the tipped to not report or have to lose 20% of the tip to the IRS. If anyone needs more money in their pocket, it's service industry folks, IMHO.

We pay taxes why make it is easier for others to not pay their taxes.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

So - wait staff and bartenders are -allowed- to earn less than minimum wage in Florida (and many other states). Those are tip-dependent employees, and I will usually tip them in cash, no matter what method I'm using to pay my dinner tab.

Take-out and curb-side, hosts and counter clerks are -not- tip dependent, so I don't ever plan on tipping them. I might tip them anyway if they do something spectacular, but I never plan on it.

[dewilson58]

Generally avoid restaurants that add cc surcharge to bill.

Me 2 (not the Me2 movement......I jus agree)


(hopefully B99 won't reprimand me for reducing your post to what is relevant to my post) :22yikes:

[MikeVillages]

I no longer have a wallet that holds cash. I have one of those small, plastic wallets that fans out the credit cards with a small lever on the side. So much easier and a lot less bulky.

[Toymeister]

I get 2.5% cash on every purchase, not just some categories not just some months. 2.5% every month on everything. So the surcharges are easier to swallow.

Alliant Credit union, everyone can join.

[ThirdOfFive]

"This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private" (small print on the dollar bill)

I wonder what the reaction would be if someone incurred a debt for which the merchant only accepted credit payment (a car repair, say) and when it came time to pay up offered the amount owned in "legal tender" (i.e. cash) stating that he doesn't believe in, and has no credit cards of any kind.

[Michael G.]

I get 2.5% cash on every purchase, not just some categories not just some months. 2.5% every month on everything. So the surcharges are easier to swallow.

Alliant Credit union, everyone can join.

So, when you get dinged for 3% and 4% using your CC, you still loose.

[vintageogauge]

Most gas stations have 3% added into the price pre gallon for using a credit card and a lot of them don't discount it for cash.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

"This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private" (small print on the dollar bill)

I wonder what the reaction would be if someone incurred a debt for which the merchant only accepted credit payment (a car repair, say) and when it came time to pay up offered the amount owned in "legal tender" (i.e. cash) stating that he doesn't believe in, and has no credit cards of any kind.

There are places in this country that don't take MONEY at all in exchange for goods/services. For example - the public library. While most of them have used books for sale for a "friends of the library fund" - the books they lend out, you can't rent with money. You have to have a library card. That means you have to provide your name, address, phone number, and proof of residence or homeownership. You can't get a book without this.

Another example - certain swap meets in the midwest and south. They don't take cash, they don't take plastic. If you need someone to install the leaf gutter you just picked up last week, and have a hand-tiller you don't need, you can make a trade. Maybe a dentist will clean your teeth in trade for a couple dozen eggs from your backyard chickens.

Here in The Villages, there's a bakery at Sawgrass that doesn't take cash. They put up a sign on the counter to make sure everyone knows this BEFORE they ask to buy a slice of cake.

[Shipping up to Boston]

"This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private" (small print on the dollar bill)

I wonder what the reaction would be if someone incurred a debt for which the merchant only accepted credit payment (a car repair, say) and when it came time to pay up offered the amount owned in "legal tender" (i.e. cash) stating that he doesn't believe in, and has no credit cards of any kind.


Great point.....and one they won’t be able to gloss over

An example....Gillette Stadium in Foxboro (Robert Kraft specifically) got so much pushback from elder advocates and patrons sans smartphone apps or CC.......they had to put in cash to Visa card kiosks in the stadium. Which begs the question, did Kraft use a CC, phone app or cash when he got caught at the massage parlor in Jupiter a few years back! And what if they were cashless!

[Velvet]

There are places in this country that don't take MONEY at all in exchange for goods/services. For example - the public library. While most of them have used books for sale for a "friends of the library fund" - the books they lend out, you can't rent with money. You have to have a library card. That means you have to provide your name, address, phone number, and proof of residence or homeownership. You can't get a book without this.

Another example - certain swap meets in the midwest and south. They don't take cash, they don't take plastic. If you need someone to install the leaf gutter you just picked up last week, and have a hand-tiller you don't need, you can make a trade. Maybe a dentist will clean your teeth in trade for a couple dozen eggs from your backyard chickens.

Here in The Villages, there's a bakery at Sawgrass that doesn't take cash. They put up a sign on the counter to make sure everyone knows this BEFORE they ask to buy a slice of cake.

Well with me it’s either no surcharge on credit card or cash. Or they simply don’t get my business. I literally walk out. Tips are cash. Gas pumps maybe different.

[dewilson58]

I wonder what the reaction would be if someone incurred a debt for which the merchant only accepted credit payment (a car repair, say) and when it came time to pay up offered the amount owned in "legal tender" (i.e. cash) stating that he doesn't believe in, and has no credit cards of any kind.

The car owner would not be leaving with their car.

[Michael G.]

Well with me it’s either no surcharge on credit card or cash. Or they simply don’t get my business. I literally walk out. Tips are cash. Gas pumps maybe different.

I was thinking wouldn't it be great to be with a party of 8 for dinner, all dress up with men in suits, women in long formal dresses walking into a fancy high-end restaurant after being seated and finding out there's a 4% surcharge on credit cards, then everyone gets up and walks out the door?
YES!

That could be a scene in a movie, :jester:

[Shipping up to Boston]

I was thinking wouldn't it be great to be with a party of 8 for dinner, all dress up with men in suits, women in long formal dresses walking into a fancy high-end restaurant after being seated and finding out there's a 4% surcharge on credit cards, then everyone gets up and walks out the door?
YES!

That could be a scene in a movie, :jester:

“If you have to ask....you can’t afford it” ~JP Morgan

[Stu from NYC]

So, when you get dinged for 3% and 4% using your CC, you still loose.

But you do not lose as much

[Gpsma]

I concur with this. Additionally, tipping in cash allows the tipped to not report or have to lose 20% of the tip to the IRS. If anyone needs more money in their pocket, it's service industry folks, IMHO.

If service industry folk need more money thwn maybe go get a skill more than carrying plates to a table.
Waitstaff deserve nothing more than $5 per meal.

[Velvet]

I was thinking wouldn't it be great to be with a party of 8 for dinner, all dress up with men in suits, women in long formal dresses walking into a fancy high-end restaurant after being seated and finding out there's a 4% surcharge on credit cards, then everyone gets up and walks out the door?
YES!

That could be a scene in a movie, :jester:

That would be unfair to the restaurant. And possibly illegal. You check first how they charge before ordering. I would not book a dinner party at a restaurant that did not accept cash if the alternative was a surcharge on credit cards.

[Shipping up to Boston]

If service industry folk need more money thwn maybe go get a skill more than carrying plates to a table.
Waitstaff deserve nothing more than $5 per meal.

Now we know the inspiration for that ‘Slim Shady’ track by Eminem....about ‘spittin’ in the onion rings’!

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

I concur with this. Additionally, tipping in cash allows the tipped to not report or have to lose 20% of the tip to the IRS. If anyone needs more money in their pocket, it's service industry folks, IMHO.

What do you do if the place won’t allow you to put the tip on your credit card? Not tip?

[Stu from NYC]

What do you do if the place won’t allow you to put the tip on your credit card? Not tip?

Never seen a restaurant that would not allow me to add the tip to my card

[Kelevision]

I was thinking wouldn't it be great to be with a party of 8 for dinner, all dress up with men in suits, women in long formal dresses walking into a fancy high-end restaurant after being seated and finding out there's a 4% surcharge on credit cards, then everyone gets up and walks out the door?
YES!

That could be a scene in a movie, :jester:

Maybe you should list all these places that charge you 4% instead of talking about it because I’ve never been charged that anywhere around here. Name the places and help everyone out.

[Rwirish]

Nothing special here and it does not make surcharges easier to swallow.

[Cuervo]

Credit cards are easy and convenient, the problem is they’re too convenient and many people find themselves with large monthly balances that they cannot payoff in one payment. These people find that convenance come at a cost with interest charges. Cash keep these people out of trouble, the major problem with cash is change and what I’m talking about is pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. I probably have enough coins in my house to build a battleship. I use both cash and credit cards.

[huge-pigeons]

I never carry cash unless going to a garage sale or buying something from marketplace in person, even then I might use PayPal friends and family.
I skip any place that charges a surcharge for using a cc. I use a cc to buy a .88 cent drink at 7 eleven.

[La lamy]

I prefer paying with a card unless it's at a restaurant. It's so weird how they just take off out back with your card before returning. It seems the whole rest of the world brings a hand held computer that works the card and receipt at the table. I also always have some cash available for emergencies, like cards failing to work or city wide internet issues that renders cards useless. It happened to us up north and it was only cash transaction for 2-3 days.

[Jhnidy]

I get 2.5% cash on every purchase, not just some categories not just some months. 2.5% every month on everything. So the surcharges are easier to swallow.

Alliant Credit union, everyone can join.

Do they have an office near. Site does not mention credit card.

[donfey]

I won't do business with those who DEMAND card only. Simple as that.

[Rzepecki]

I am really confused about how to pay today using either cash or credit.

Some retailers are taking credit only.
Some are taking cash only.
If you're lucky, some take both.

Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.

....then there's those pesky tips that I'll leave for another day :cus:

Your Thoughts

As a consumer and because it’s your money, it pays to keep yourself educated.

Use your bank’s ATMs and you won’t pay a fee.

Know which establishments charge a fee for using a cc - they are few and far between - and don’t do business with them. If they can’t afford that business expense, they’re not a secure business.

I’m not confused at all. I use cc for everything, and make money doing so, but I always have cash on me just in case. I pay my cc bills in full every month.

I keep myself educated.

[waterflower]

Because you are over taxed in this country. Money is printed whenever the treasury wants more. Fiat currency = no true value. We need the gold standard.

[Mrfriendly]

I am really confused about how to pay today using either cash or credit.

Some retailers are taking credit only.
Some are taking cash only.
If you're lucky, some take both.

Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.

....then there's those pesky tips that I'll leave for another day :cus:

Your Thoughts

My wife the hairdresser always leaves cash tip for servers as she prefers the tax free tip from her client and thinking others in the service industry would like the same. Plus, if I’m leaving the tip she will always add another $5 saying “it’s not enough” lol

[Shipping up to Boston]

My wife the hairdresser always leaves cash tip for servers as she prefers the tax free tip from her client and thinking others in the service industry would like the same. Plus, if I’m leaving the tip she will always add another $5 saying “it’s not enough” lol

Good for her and I agree with the practice!

Watch out though, the ToTV tax collectors will be chiming in shortly on yours! ;)

[retiredguy123]

I prefer paying with a card unless it's at a restaurant. It's so weird how they just take off out back with your card before returning. It seems the whole rest of the world brings a hand held computer that works the card and receipt at the table. I also always have some cash available for emergencies, like cards failing to work or city wide internet issues that renders cards useless. It happened to us up north and it was only cash transaction for 2-3 days.
I agree. A simple solution would be for the banks to require merchants to have a credit card machine at the table. I don't understand why this is not a bank requirement.

[M2inOR]

I get 2.5% cash on every purchase, not just some categories not just some months. 2.5% every month on everything. So the surcharges are easier to swallow.

Alliant Credit union, everyone can join.

Our Fidelity Rewards+ card gives us back 3% back on all CC purchases, and first year had no monthly finance charge to carry a balance. Eventually paid off balance that first year to take advantage of that 1st year of no finance charges on balances.

Paid card a certain amount each month for first year.

That said, have no problem paying that 2-3% fee some restaurants or businesses charge.

Other alternative is for restaurants and businesses to increase prices or offer discounts for cash payments.

Our monthly payments are made automatically from an investment account that is currently paying us annualized 5.2% interest. Account interest adjusts each week, but has been averaging above annualized 5% for past two years. Ask your advisor about 7-day money market funds that pay that rate for deposits.

[retiredguy123]

Our Fidelity Rewards+ card gives us back 3% back on all CC purchases, and first year had no monthly finance charge to carry a balance. Eventually paid off balance that first year to take advantage of that 1st year of no finance charges on balances.

Paid card a certain amount each month for first year.

That said, have no problem paying that 2-3% fee some restaurants or businesses charge.

Other alternative is for restaurants and businesses to increase prices or offer discounts for cash payments.

Our monthly payments are made automatically from an investment account that is currently paying us annualized 5.2% interest. Account interest adjusts each week, but has been averaging above annualized 5% for past two years. Ask your advisor about 7-day money market funds that pay that rate for deposits.
According to Fidelity:

"Everyone is eligible for 2% cash back on the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card, regardless of the amount of assets held with Fidelity. However, to be eligible for the Fidelity Rewards+, you generally must have at least $250,000 invested in one or more accounts offered through Fidelity® Wealth Services, Fidelity® Strategic Disciplines, or a combination of the two. In addition to this asset requirement, only individual or joint account registration types are included when determining eligibility."

[M2inOR]

I prefer paying with a card unless it's at a restaurant. It's so weird how they just take off out back with your card before returning. It seems the whole rest of the world brings a hand held computer that works the card and receipt at the table.

Here in The Villages, I've had one of my credit cards compromised at one of the restaurants or businesses here.

That Chase card has all information on one side of the credit card:

Credit card number
3-digit CVC code
Expiration date

It's possible for someone to take a picture of your card and sell that pic on the dark web for others to use.

To prevent that, I use tape to black out some of that info on the back of my card. Still taps or slides without issue.

Got the idea from Apple credit card which has no numbers on card at all.

One other thing I've started doing is using Google Wallet to tap and pay on those terminals that permit it. Apple has the same ability with Apple pay using phone or watch.

I agree, bringing the CC terminal to your table to pay your restaurant or bar tab is the way to go so your CC never leaves your possession. I've been sure to thank merchants who have that capability.

Be careful out there!

PS when traveling, be sure to have several credit cards with you, just in case one of your cards is compromised.

PPS set up alerts to get a notification Everytime your card is used.

[M2inOR]

According to Fidelity:
...
"

Yes indeed. The more you have saved, the better the opportunities and benefits you may qualify for. Check with your financial advisor.

Be sure to save for retirement!

Also, check Bankrate.com (http://www.bankrate.com) for other credit card offers that offer cash back and/or no interest charges on balances for a limited time.

Also, the CC companies like Chase, American Express, and others have cash back and discount offers on many businesses you might be using. Be sure to check the benefits and offers for your cards.

[maryannesk]

I get 2.5% cash on every purchase, not just some categories not just some months. 2.5% every month on everything. So the surcharges are easier to swallow.

Alliant Credit union, everyone can join.

But you only get .25% interest where other HY savings accounts offer over 4% - so there's that

[virtue51]

Why are you paying ATM fees? Total waste of money.

If the vendor charges extra for credit cards, I pay cash. No reason to pay extra for a service or product.

[Girlcopper]

I am really confused about how to pay today using either cash or credit.

Some retailers are taking credit only.
Some are taking cash only.
If you're lucky, some take both.

Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.

....then there's those pesky tips that I'll leave for another day :cus:

Your Thoughts
Theres nothing new here. ATMs always charged unless you use your network. Most businesses charge a fee for credit cards. Again nothing new. What’s the confusion about??? If you don’t want the fees, pay cash. Simple problem….solved.

[paulajr]

Here in The Villages, there's a bakery at Sawgrass that doesn't take cash. They put up a sign on the counter to make sure everyone knows this BEFORE they ask to buy a slice of cake.[/QUOTE]

And we walked up to buy something the other day…saw the sign, and explained that if our cash was no good..we didn’t need their products. Told them we would go elsewhere where our cash was good.

[ellenwelsh]

I was charged 3% on my copay at a doctor office this week.

[MikeVillages]

I prefer paying with a card unless it's at a restaurant. It's so weird how they just take off out back with your card before returning. ...

Some restaurants do that but many have a small machine they put on the table. The machine has an option to select a present for a tip, the default is sometimes high.

A restaurant that usually has decent service, but one time it was AWFUL. The waitress held the machine, took my card, & asked if it was ok to select the “recommended” tip. I politely replied no, I do it myself.

[dewilson58]

I was charged 3% on my copay at a doctor office this week.

Wow. Looks like it's time to carry a check or two and write them a check. :eclipsee_gold_cup:

[OhioBuckeye]

Some also think, just go in & take what you want. When I was growing up if they refused to except pay by cash or credit they were refusing payment, so you got it free. But if I offer them cash they had to except it or it was their problem, so far I haven’t had a problem paying by cash or credit!

[retiredguy123]

Yes indeed. The more you have saved, the better the opportunities and benefits you may qualify for. Check with your financial advisor.

Be sure to save for retirement!

Also, check Bankrate.com (http://www.bankrate.com) for other credit card offers that offer cash back and/or no interest charges on balances for a limited time.

Also, the CC companies like Chase, American Express, and others have cash back and discount offers on many businesses you might be using. Be sure to check the benefits and offers for your cards.
I have substantial assets in Fidelity mutual funds, but I don't pay any AUM (assets under management) fees. Don't you need to be paying AUM fees to qualify for the 3 percent cash back credit card? If so, that would be a non-starter for me.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Here in The Villages, I've had one of my credit cards compromised at one of the restaurants or businesses here.

That Chase card has all information on one side of the credit card:

Credit card number
3-digit CVC code
Expiration date

It's possible for someone to take a picture of your card and sell that pic on the dark web for others to use.

To prevent that, I use tape to black out some of that info on the back of my card. Still taps or slides without issue.

Got the idea from Apple credit card which has no numbers on card at all.

One other thing I've started doing is using Google Wallet to tap and pay on those terminals that permit it. Apple has the same ability with Apple pay using phone or watch.

I agree, bringing the CC terminal to your table to pay your restaurant or bar tab is the way to go so your CC never leaves your possession. I've been sure to thank merchants who have that capability.

Be careful out there!

PS when traveling, be sure to have several credit cards with you, just in case one of your cards is compromised.

PPS set up alerts to get a notification Everytime your card is used.

How many times have you been ‘compromised’...using cash?

CC/Debit card security is a daily struggle. Skimmers are placed at gas stations, grocery and retail checkout pads constantly across the nation. Consumers regularly and voluntarily place food and goods/services orders over the phone .....routinely giving up all the pertinent info needed to open themselves up to fraud. So if 2-3% back is the nominal price most will levy against their personal privacy and protection.....enjoy the journey. As I said earlier and as one that practices it daily, cash....wherever and whenever possible!

[retiredguy123]

How many times have you been ‘compromised’...using cash?

CC/Debit card security is a daily struggle. Skimmers are placed at gas stations, grocery and retail checkout pads constantly across the nation. Consumers regularly and voluntarily place food and goods/services orders over the phone .....routinely giving up all the pertinent info needed to open themselves up to fraud. So if 2-3% back is the nominal price most will levy against their personal privacy and protection.....enjoy the journey. As I said earlier and as one that practices it daily, cash....wherever and whenever possible!
Many posters on this website have been compromised by paying cash or check to a contractor, who disappeared or refused to correct a defective installation. But any money lost by fraud when using a credit card can be recovered by disputing the charge with your bank. I will gladly pay a 3 percent charge to a contractor or other merchant when making a large purchase. If you pay in cash, they can disappear, and your money is lost. But, if you use a credit card, you can often recover the money. It really depends on what type of purchase you are making.

[ron32162]

I have never been anywhere that I cant pay cash or credit.

[JRcorvette]

I am really confused about how to pay today using either cash or credit.

Some retailers are taking credit only.
Some are taking cash only.
If you're lucky, some take both.

Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.

....then there's those pesky tips that I'll leave for another day :cus:

Your Thoughts

We use CC for just about everything and avoid those restaurants that charge a fee to use a CC. As for gas also try to avoid those that charge extra but paying with cash is a pain and not worth the hassle in my opinion.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Many posters on this website have been compromised by paying cash or check to a contractor, who disappeared or refused to correct a defective installation. But any money lost by fraud when using a credit card can be recovered by disputing the charge with your bank. I will gladly pay a 3 percent charge to a contractor or other merchant when making a large purchase. If you pay in cash, they can disappear, and your money is lost. But, if you use a credit card, you can often recover the money. It really depends on what type of purchase you are making.

Another one taking the issue to a different context. You’re on here enough to know we’re talking about restaurants, gas stations, local activity. Not for work on your home or contractor services. Different beast. But using your narrative, when paying cash at any restaurant....where was your personal privacy and protection compromised. Unless you’re a lil ole lady with a big wide open pocket book purse with cash hanging out the opening!

[retiredguy123]

Another one taking the issue to a different context. You’re on here enough to know we’re talking about restaurants, gas stations, local activity. Not for work on your home or contractor services. Different beast. But using your narrative, when paying cash at any restaurant....where was your personal privacy and protection compromised. Unless you’re a lil ole lady with a big wide open pocket book purse with cash hanging out the opening!
I didn't realize the thread was limited to restaurants and gas stations. That's not what the OP said.

[Rvflier]

"This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private" (small print on the dollar bill)

I wonder what the reaction would be if someone incurred a debt for which the merchant only accepted credit payment (a car repair, say) and when it came time to pay up offered the amount owned in "legal tender" (i.e. cash) stating that he doesn't believe in, and has no credit cards of any kind.

Sometime recently that rule went away, mostly during Covid. There was a time when if you offered cash and it was refused, the transaction was complete - learned this the hard way working at gas stations that took no bills larger than $20. However, now the federal law does not stand behind that statement and says it “may” be used. Thus, private businesses (the seller) can choose what form of payment they want. There were a couple challenges during Covid and essentially this was the result.

[jmsturm]

Use ATM at WaWa. No charges!

[Stu from NYC]

I was charged 3% on my copay at a doctor office this week.

Our dermatologist office has done this for awhile so we pay by check

[retiredguy123]

I have never been anywhere that I cant pay cash or credit.
The only place I know of in The Villages that will not accept cash is the Darlin's Sweet Shoppe in Sawgrass Grove. In my opinion, this is a bad business practice.

[Shipping up to Boston]

I didn't realize the thread was limited to restaurants and gas stations. That's not what the OP said.

Nope....you’re right....the OP only mentioned the ever ambiguous ‘retailer’. So I guess I can see how a Villager could could confuse a ‘retailer’ with a roofing contractor. My bad

[Cliff Fr]

Not a problem for me. If I need cash I get cash back with no fee when I buy groceries. I haven't paid an ATM fee in many years.

[Toymeister]

But you only get .25% interest where other HY savings accounts offer over 4% - so there's that

Incorrect it is 3.10% with a 100.00 balance. So there are the facts.

[Velvet]

The only place I know of in The Villages that will not accept cash is the Darlin's Sweet Shoppe in Sawgrass Grove. In my opinion, this is a bad business practice.

Sweets are bad for most people anyways…no big loss.

[Lea N]

"This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private" (small print on the dollar bill)

I wonder what the reaction would be if someone incurred a debt for which the merchant only accepted credit payment (a car repair, say) and when it came time to pay up offered the amount owned in "legal tender" (i.e. cash) stating that he doesn't believe in, and has no credit cards of any kind.

About 15ish years ago I watched a video of a man (in PA I think) who went to pay his house taxes that were at or over 6K. I don't remember all of the details but he paid in cash, deliberately to prove a point that if they are charging that much they should take cash. Of course the tax office he was at didn't have the ability to county all the money, or give him a receipt for it because they couldn't count it before they closed (or something like that.) It turned into a major issue. I don't remember all the details but I think they ended up going to the bank with him to count the money and issue a receipt, or something along those lines.

[sdeikenberry]

Tipping...I am happy to tip 20-30% or more if someone actually does something for me or if I'm occupying an establishments space for any length of time. I'm also happy to tip a minimum of $3-4 for a tab that is $10 or less, so I don't think I'm cheap. But tip jars are becoming the norm and nearly every counter that accepts my money for something...for example if I stop at Too Jays and buy a dessert, or Dunkin for a cup of take out regular coffee, why am I expected to tip for that purchase?

[MikeVillages]

...
Then pay fees to withdraw YOUR money from a ATM machine to use cash.
Or use a credit card and get charged 3%-4%.
....
Your Thoughts
It depents on your bank. I have 3 checkings accounts. One with a bank, two with credit unions. ATMs are free when you use an ATM in their network.

One of the credit unitions is free regardless of which ATM you use & they will pay the fee if the ATM's bank charges a fee. This is great for travel, especially foreign travel.

[JWinATL]

I try to always tip in cash. In that way, I am sure the server gets the money. I once put it on my Visa, and the credit card company notified me that it was 31% (oh, the horror) so I could correct it with the restaurant. Talk about a Nanny State!

[retiredguy123]

About 15ish years ago I watched a video of a man (in PA I think) who went to pay his house taxes that were at or over 6K. I don't remember all of the details but he paid in cash, deliberately to prove a point that if they are charging that much they should take cash. Of course the tax office he was at didn't have the ability to county all the money, or give him a receipt for it because they couldn't count it before they closed (or something like that.) It turned into a major issue. I don't remember all the details but I think they ended up going to the bank with him to count the money and issue a receipt, or something along those lines.
I could be wrong, but, as I understand it, the legal tender statement on money only applies to actual debts where you have borrowed money. Buying something and paying for it in a restaurant or store is not paying a debt. Also, paying taxes when they are due is not paying a debt. A debt only occurs when someone gives permission to pay for something at a later time than when it is received. For example, writing a bad check is a crime, but postdating a check with the permission of the payee is a loan and not a crime. Failure to pay a debt is never a crime and cannot be prosecuted as one.

[MikeVillages]

I try to always tip in cash. In that way, I am sure the server gets the money. ...
I believe many restaurants split the tip between the waitress and the server as they're often two separate people. This is both for cash & credit card payments.

[Michael G.]

Sweets are bad for most people anyways…no big loss.

For the amount of time most of us have here on earth,
tell me again have a sweet treat is bad for you, :popcorn:

[Stu from NYC]

For the amount of time most of us have here on earth,
tell me again have a sweet treat is bad for you, :popcorn:

In moderation I agree but many of us do not really understand the word

[Velvet]

For the amount of time most of us have here on earth,
tell me again have a sweet treat is bad for you, :popcorn:

Someone is being fatalistic… I enjoy health for any time here, myself. I’d be a lot more unhappy if it was a seafood place etc that didn’t accept cash or check.

[Lea N]

Because you are over taxed in this country. Money is printed whenever the treasury wants more. Fiat currency = no true value. We need the gold standard.

Yes we do but I don't think it will ever happen.

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Never seen a restaurant that would not allow me to add the tip to my card

If you get your nails done or hair cut they don’t allow to tip with credit card.

[Cliff Fr]

If service industry folk need more money thwn maybe go get a skill more than carrying plates to a table.
Waitstaff deserve nothing more than $5 per meal.

Let them eat cake huh?

[dewilson58]

If you get your nails done or hair cut they don’t allow to tip with credit card.

Some of "they" may not, but there are some of "they" who do allow.

:ho:

[retiredguy123]

If you get your nails done or hair cut they don’t allow to tip with credit card.
That sounds like a stupid policy. It would save some customers a lot of money.

[CFrance]

That sounds like a stupid policy. It would save some customers a lot of money.
You would most probably find that your favorite hairdresser suddenly was booked up for the next three years.