Take the Which? Cash Friendly Pledge
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
The 
coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on the way people shop and pay for things, with many benefiting from digital payments for the first time. However, for the millions of people who rely on cash, the last year has presented some serious challenges.
Recent research from consumer organisation Which? has found that 1 in 3 people have struggled to pay for things with cash since the start of the pandemic, which has resulted in many consumers - especially those who are cash dependent, of which there are 2.5 million - being unable to purchase even essential goods. Worryingly, thousands more have been left feeling ashamed or stressed because of fears their cash will be rejected at the till.
In response, Which? and Bira want to team up with ‘cash friendly' retailers on a new voluntary initiative that aims to protect customers' option to pay with cash. On the 13th of May, it will be launching it's Cash Friendly Pledge - a public commitment from retailers that they're accepting cash.
While Which? recognises that many retailers do accept cash, and have been throughout the pandemic, it's engagement with consumers - cash dependent or not - has told them they'd benefit from reassurance that retailers are committed to protecting this important payment option. The pledge can be dropped if a retailer changes it's payment policy, and does not require signatories to accept cash for a specific period of time or to prioritise accepting cash over other payment methods.
The names of retailers who've taken the Pledge will be announced at Which?'s public launch in May, which will be promoted in national and trade media and supported by a campaign on social media, in the Which? Money magazine, across online content and in communications to it's members and supporters. They've also created Cash Friendly promotional materials that can be incorporated into online and in-store marketing materials.
To take the pledge, Which? is asking businesses to complete this digital form, which provides further information about the conditions of the pledge.
Any questions or requests for further information on how to get involved with the launch can be emailed to cashfriendly@which.co.uk.