Disturbing trend in supermarkets sparks claims of ‘discrimination’

Have you noticed something a little off during your last trip to the supermarket?

Maybe you reached for your wallet, ready to hand over a crisp $10 note, only to be met with a cold, impersonal card-only screen.

If so, you are not alone—and you are not imagining things. A quiet but significant shift is underway in Australia’s major supermarkets, and it is leaving many shoppers feeling left out in the cold.

The disappearing act: Where has all the cash gone?

Across the country, shoppers are reporting that cash payment options at self-serve checkouts are vanishing.

While Coles and Woolworths still technically accept cash, actually finding a self-serve machine that lets you use it is starting to feel like a game of hide-and-seek.

In many stores, only one or two cash-enabled kiosks remain, often tucked away at the far end of the self-serve row—almost as if they are hoping you won’t notice them at all.

A recent spot check in Sydney’s inner west paints a telling picture. At Woolworths in Balmain, just two out of 14 self-serve checkouts accepted cash.

The rest? Card only. 

At Leichhardt, the situation was slightly better—six out of 18 machines still took cash, but that is still a far cry from the days when every checkout was cash-friendly.

Coles at Birkenhead Point took things a step further: none of the self-serve checkouts accepted cash.

If you wanted to pay with notes or coins, you had to queue at the assisted checkouts—assuming, of course, that anyone was actually staffing them.

A subtle shift, a big impact

This is not just a matter of convenience. Critics argue that the move away from cash risks marginalising older Australians, low-income earners, and anyone who simply prefers not to rely on digital payments.

Jason Bryce, a Melbourne-based financial journalist and campaign manager for CashWelcome, does not mince words: ‘Coles and Woolworths are actively discriminating against cash users,’ he says.

Bryce regularly hears from frustrated shoppers who have complained to supermarkets, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Reserve Bank, and even the Human Rights Commission.

The common thread? Cash users are forced to wait—sometimes up to 40 minutes—for a cash-accepting terminal, while card users breeze through.

‘They have got to do more than accept cash,’ Bryce insists. ‘Cash has got to be equal to the other payment options. All terminals should accept cash and card.’

The hidden cost of going cashless

There is another sting in the tail for those who have made the switch to cards: surcharges and fees.

Australians are estimated to spend around $140 a year on card surcharges, and some believe the real figure is even higher.

The Federal Government has announced plans to ban debit card surcharges from January 2026, a move that could save consumers up to $500 million a year.

But not everyone is convinced this is a win for shoppers. Bryce argues that if surcharges are banned, the costs will simply be absorbed into prices, making it harder for consumers to know what they are really paying.

What do Australians want?

A recent CHOICE survey of nearly 13,000 Australians found that a whopping 97% believe it is important for businesses selling essential goods and services to be required to accept cash.

After all, not everyone is ready—or able—to go fully digital.

For many, cash is not just a payment method; it is a way to budget, to feel secure, and to maintain a sense of independence.

What are the supermarkets saying?

Coles insists they are not phasing out cash. ‘We know that cash remains an important payment method for some customers, and we have no plans to remove cash self-service options,’ a spokesperson said.

‘If any of our customers cannot find their preferred checkout option, we always have team members in the service area who are there to help.’

Woolworths, for their part, declined to comment.

The bigger picture: Is a cashless society inevitable?

The trend towards cashless payments is not unique to supermarkets, or even to Australia.

Around the world, businesses are embracing digital payments for their speed, convenience, and security.

But as we race towards a cashless future, it is worth asking: who gets left behind?

For older Australians, people in rural areas, and those without access to reliable banking, cash is still king.

There are also privacy concerns. Every card transaction leaves a digital footprint, and not everyone is comfortable with their spending habits being tracked.

Cash, on the other hand, offers anonymity and control.

Have your say

As supermarkets gradually move towards more digital payment options, the conversation around the accessibility and convenience of different payment methods continues to evolve. 

While technology offers efficiency, it also raises questions about inclusivity and the impact on those who prefer or rely on cash. 

Have you struggled to pay with cash at your local supermarket? Do you think the move towards cashless payments is a good thing, or does it leave too many people behind? 

We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your story in the comments below!

Also read: Cash is king again? Nordic nation’s bold move sparks urgent debate in Australia