Cash payments offer the potential for discounts when compared to credit card transactions. Typically, these discounts range from 2% to 4%, with some cases offering even higher savings. While the share of cash payments with discounts is still relatively low, data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta shows a significant increase over the last few years. Some businesses opt to provide cash incentives to customers in an effort to reduce costs associated with credit card transactions, which can amount to 2% to 4% per transaction. As a result, choosing cash over credit card can lead to savings for consumers.
Consumers’ increasing preference for credit card payments has led many businesses to add surcharges for these transactions. Nearly 7 in 10 cardholders have reported being charged extra for using a credit card for purchases. With the share of cash payments decreasing over time, businesses offering cash discounts are likely to become more prevalent. While credit card rewards may seem appealing, cash discounts often exceed the cash-back percentages offered by most cards. Therefore, it may still be more cost-effective to pay with cash in certain cases.
Businesses provide these cash incentives to avoid high credit card processing fees, which can greatly impact their profits. By offering discounts for cash purchases, companies can bypass these fees and provide lower prices for cash users. Some states have regulations on surcharging, with some states outlawing the practice altogether. When considering whether to pay with cash or credit card, it is essential to understand any potential surcharges or discounts that may apply to make an informed decision.
Research has shown that consumers are more likely to choose cash payments when cash discounts are offered. Small, independent businesses are more likely to provide these incentives compared to larger national chains. Gas stations and health care providers are just a few examples of businesses that commonly offer cash discounts. Additionally, for high-cost items like tax bills and college tuition, paying with cash can help avoid additional fees that may be passed on to the consumer due to payment processing costs.
While credit cards offer certain protections such as fraud protection and the ease of tracking spending, there are instances where cash may be the preferred payment method. Particularly for first-time shoppers, items that may require returns in the future, or products that are being delivered, using a credit card can offer added security. However, for those who struggle to pay their credit card bills on time, using cash or debit cards may be a more prudent choice to avoid accumulating interest charges. Debit cards can be a good alternative as merchants generally cannot add surcharges to debit card transactions.
