Top cashless woes: parking, tipping, and trolley pound coins

A survey of 2,000 adults found despite fears of Britain moving to a cashless society, 55% always or often carry cash with them when out and about, with 25% paying with cash two or three times a week. Of those who do ever carry cash, 46% typically carry between £11 and £30.

Other scenarios people like to carry cash for include paying for goods at a market (30%), buying ice cream from a van (27%) and when spending at a local fete (25%).

Brits are also driven by kindness, as their desire to carry money is also because they'd like to donate to charity (35%) or give some to a homeless person (22%).

The research, which was commissioned by Post Office, also revealed 16% still keep a reserve of coins hidden in the car and 12% even keep a stash of notes in the bedside drawer - just in case.

Failing technology is a key reason why many like to have a few quid on them - with 38% of those who carry cash doing so in case their card doesn't work, and 12% because they are worried about their phone breaking or running out of battery.

While 15% believe using cash instead of bank cards or mobile phones means they are better able to keep track of spending. But despite a continued reliance on cash, 41% regularly get caught out from not having cash on them.

While 24% have felt guilty being cashless when they've wanted to tip someone and 20% have been unable to pay for parking at a cash only car park.

And many have been unable to use gym lockers (9%), vending machines (14%) or amusements at a community event of local fete (10%) due to having an empty wallet or purse.

Ross Borkett, banking director at Post Office, which offers free cash withdrawals, said: "This research highlights that despite us living in a world driven by technology, there is still a need for physical cash.

"There are many scenarios where cash is still king, whether that's tipping a waiter, donating to someone on the street, or buying something at a car boot sale or school fete.

"The fact is that we are not yet a cashless society, and cash is used a lot more than people think. Pounds and pennies are used in so many instances, every single day.

Many of those polled via OnePoll appreciate that their use of cash aids the UK's economy - with 46% of those who are more likely to pay cash at independent stores (44%) doing so to support local businesses. And 56% said it's important to have access to cash when they need it.

On the high street, over half of customers prefer using cash to card in newsagents (58%), charity shops (57%) and convenience stores (54%).

While others like to support local businesses in this way by spending cash in the bakery (52%), greengrocers (38%) and hairdressers or barbers (37%).

Dr Christian Bach, associate professor in Economics, University of Reading, said: "When consumers pay with cash, they physically hand over something they own. This act creates what behavioural economists call the 'pain of paying' - activating the brain's pain centres and curbing impulse spending. By contrast, digital payments lack sensory depth and leave no physical trace.

"As a result, the natural restraint on spending is weakened, and indeed, studies show that people spend more - and more recklessly - when using digital payments.

"Cash also fuels local economic growth, as spending cash locally keeps money circulating in the community, boosting nearby businesses and jobs. Small firms, independent shops, and vendors often rely on cash for its immediacy, simplicity, and inclusiveness.

"As Post Office's data shows, cash continues to play a vital role in the UK economy and remains essential to the health of small businesses. While digital payments can offer convenience, cash is capable of strengthening local economies, supporting financial wellbeing, and encouraging more mindful spending."

Tipping

A pound coin for the shopping trolley

Giving money to a charity collection box

Paying for something which costs less than £5

Paying for goods at a market

Paying for parking in a car park

Buying an ice cream at an ice cream van

Paying for goods at a local fete

Paying for goods at a car boot sale

Giving money to a homeless person

When gifting cash for someone's birthday

Using a vending machine

Paying for goods at independent shops

Paying for a taxi

A pound coin for the locker at a gym/leisure centre

Buying a newspaper

Using machines in an arcade

Paying for goods at a school fair

Buying goods from a food truck

Paying for public transport

Paying a tradesperson

Paying for goods on my local high street

Giving money to buskers/performers

To buy myself a treat (e.g. a chocolate bar without feeling like I'm spending)

Paying for a car wash

Buying a drink at a pub

Paying for a takeaway coffee

Paying for rides/games at a local amusement park (e.g. a pop-up fair in the summer)

Giving my children pocket money

Paying a friend money, I owe them