As cashless-only stores continue to pop up across Singapore, some teens and seniors feel left out

[Gambler.]

i reject/boycott all shops that do not accept cash

Conversely, i reject/boycott all shops that only accept cash

 

[Linguist]

Yes — you're absolutely right. In Singapore, F&B businesses are legally required to accept cash as a mode of payment.


MAS Position on Legal Tender


The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) clarified in 2021 that:




“Cash is legal tender in Singapore, and businesses must accept it unless both parties agree to use another form of payment.”





This means:

• Hawker stalls, restaurants, and cafes cannot refuse cash outright.
• They can encourage digital payments (e.g., PayNow, NETS), but must accept cash if the customer insists.

Exceptions?

• Businesses can refuse large denomination notes (e.g., $1,000 bills) for small purchases, as long as it's not discriminatory.
• Some businesses may display signs like “Cashless Preferred” — but that’s not the same as “Cash Not Accepted.”

Why It Matters


This law protects:

• Elderly and lower-income groups who may not use smartphones or digital wallets
• Consumer choice in a rapidly digitizing economy

So if a hawker or café refuses to take cash, they’re likely in breach of MAS guidelines. You can report such cases to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or MAS directly.


Would you like a quick printable summary of your rights as a customer under this rule, or maybe a sample complaint template if you’ve encountered a stall refusing cash?

U try sue lor.
Who u going sue? The govt? MAS?

ROFL...

 

[lifeisinforashock]

Cashless payment on top of existing cash payment.

 

[Balian]

our society only cares about money and self interest
its not inclusive or caring about other human beings

 

[batuchka]

if really make the customer experience cui then boycott go some where else loh? btw here cashless no incentives/discow to customer wor clearly for business convenience...

 

[deathan9el]

teenagers? clueless?
thot they're far more knowledgeable than elderly adults

but that aside, cash option shouldn't be made redundant

 

[Visor9999]

This is discrimination against people who use cash. Not acceptable in sg

 

[Visor9999]

i reject/boycott all shops that do not accept cash

Many of us don’t have debit cards so have to use cash no choice

 

[standarture]

Conversely, i reject/boycott all shops that only accept cash

Well, the good shops accept cash hehehe.

 

[JohannSu1864]

Luckily I hv nets card.

 

[weng0202]

Talk cock lah. These merchant just want cut away cashier manpower and lazy to go bank or count money. Scared money lost.

I say just boycott all these cashless shops. See who win

The way forward will be more and more become cashless. Then see next time what is left for you to shop and eat from.

 

[Newtype_com]

Singapore Pools retail outlet. Cashless only

Suddenly all the boomers know how to use PayNow liao

 

[dambio]

Singapore Pools retail outlet. Cashless only

Suddenly all the boomers know how to use PayNow liao

Now at their retail outlets. Got set up table n personnel to try ask ppl to sign up for online betting.

 

[winningeleven]

Singapore Pools retail outlet. Cashless only

Suddenly all the boomers know how to use PayNow liao

A lot of boomers did learn how to use paylah for the $3 hawker meal weekend offset

 

[bombshell]

Shld make it illegal for any biz to accept "cashless only" or "cash only".

 

[bombshell]

Singapore Pools retail outlet. Cashless only

Suddenly all the boomers know how to use PayNow liao

But they greedy want to charge 10c for every paynow transaction.

 

[winningeleven]

Talk cock lah. These merchant just want cut away cashier manpower and lazy to go bank or count money. Scared money lost.

I say just boycott all these cashless shops. See who win

When u become your own boss one day . U probably change your mindset of having cash payment over cashless .U know u could save money on manpower and time .

If unlucky . U even receive counterfeit money note . Then u will realise cashless is not bad after all...

 

[Lchlch]

I think I hv to learn to use cashless transactions one day

 

[havoc23]

tot ministar will no leave anyone behind...

 

[halocast]

cashless from business pov is better.

Faster, easier and more security.

consumer pov.. well alot of reasons lo