26 January 2024 , 10:43
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Asda has released plans to go fully cashless at 82 petrol station locations by the end of summer - and we want to know what YOU think about the news.
The supermarket giant is shifting payment operations because more than 90 percent of transitions at their superstore fuel station forecourts are made via card or a contactless device. The retailer has axed manned tills at 14 petrol stations, with a further 68 now added to the list.
Staff working at the fuel stations will be redeployed to stores, while the 'pay at the pump' system will only affect forecourts attached to superstores. There are currently 150 unmanned Asda fuel station forecourts, out of a hefty 300 across the UK.
An Asda spokesperson said: "The colleagues who worked on these sites are moving into the store so they can better serve our customers." The conversion will be completed by the summer of this year, while the supermarket chain started converting sites with drive-thru kiosks last December.
The move is expected to face backlash from shoppers, as around 11 percent of people still make cash payments. GB news has also been running a Don’t Kill Cash campaign, which has collected more than 310,000 signatures. It writes: "With the rise of Apple and Google Pay, vulnerable people who rely on cash are increasingly being left behind by the relentless march of technology."
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"More than five million adults still rely on cash in the UK and it’s used in six billion transactions every year, but there are strong vested interests pushing for it to be permanently replaced by debit and credit cards and other electronic payments. These cost you more in the long-run and enable 3rd parties to track you and your spending."
The change to these Asda forecourts means more drivers will face a £99 pre-authorisation fee when buying fuel. This means money is "temporarily" held on your account until the end of the transaction when the correct amount should be debited.
They were introduced by Visa and Mastercard, and the idea is to block out money from your account so the store knows you can afford to pay for your fuel. The money should be returned to you completely within a few minutes.
Following the recent announcement, we want to know if you support Asda’s decision to go fully cashless. Vote in our poll to have your say.
The Mirror will also be discussing the topic with you in the comments section below and you can join in! All you have to do is sign up, submit your comment, register your details and then you can take part.