Wisbech reader says minimum shop spend on bank cards should be banned
A report from bank industry body UK Finance shows cash usage during the lockdown now represents less than one in four payments made, a 15% drop year-on year.
When it comes to newsagents and corner shops, I find it disturbing that they have a minimum spend when it comes to card payments.
I went in to one newsagent to buy a copy of the Daily Mirror and was told the minimum spend using a card would be £3.50. When I complained, I was quickly shown the door.
This is a pity as card payments, especially contactless, are COVID-19-free whereas cash in the form of notes and coins are a major transmitter of the coronavirus.
In search of my copy of the Daily Mirror, I have visited two other newsagents, one having a minimum card payment spend of £3 and the other £5.
It is time the government saw the benefits of contactless payments in its fight against COVID-19, and banned minimum spend on card payments.
John Smithee
Wisbech